The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee approved the bill Wednesday on an 8-3 vote.
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Today, the House committee adopted a substitute bill that McClendon said was what the Senate meant to pass.
Bentley is seeking the first statewide vote on a lottery since 1999. “And that’s all we’re dealing with right now, this simple lottery I believe the people of Alabama will vote for”.
Rep. Alan Harper, the bill’s sponsor, said opponents were using procedure to prevent people from voting on a lottery. It moves to the full Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday where it is expected to face a close vote. That dashed hopes of getting the measure approved in time for it to go on the November 8 ballot.
Will Califf, Spokesman for Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh says the law says Wednesday is the deadline for the Secretary of State to accept an amendment for the ballot, but if ballots haven’t been printed yet, the Secretary of State “shall” accept it.
Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, said coastal counties received the brunt of the damage, and should receive a larger share of the money. Senators approved the bill Friday on a 21 to 12 vote.
Although the bill is still alive in the ongoing special session, the legislative stumbling block dashes hopes of getting a lottery proposal before voters during the November election, a race guaranteed to bring large voter turnout because of the presidential race. Lawmakers missed that deadline.
Political commentator, Steve Flowers says the $1 billion BP oil spill settlement money may end up being the solution to the state’s budget shortfall.
Sen. Jim McClendon said lawmakers had until Friday based on a law that allowed “amendments” to ballots up to 74 days before an election.
Lawmakers initially said the deadline was Wednesday, which was the 76th day.
So it’s possible Alabama will get a lottery in the near future.
While the Senate was debating the lottery proposal, though, the House put its own agenda into play.
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House Bill 36, the BP will, could be changed to try to get more money for Medicaid, which is facing an $85 million shortfall in the budget year that starts October 1. The hearing will now take place on Wednesday. His original bill was amended significantly by the Senate, with changes including provision that the first $100 million of profits each year will now be directed towards Medicaid funding.
