Republican legislators gamble with corporate cronyism and government control
Updated May 05, 2021;
This is an opinion column.
When it comes to gambling legislation in Alabama, legislators seem to believe that the “right” policy isn’t politically viable. There’s no easy path to passage for a gambling expansion which embodies principles of meaningful competition, fair play, and consumer protection. Governor Kay Ivey’s latest attempt in the Alabama House continues to deal from a stacked deck.
Allowing gambling in Alabama isn’t actually that complicated. It’s making sure the existing gambling outfits control the game that’s gumming up the works.
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Alabama voters are one step closer to voting on whether to create a state lottery for education and casinos like the one the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) want to build in either DeKalb or Jackson counties due to proximity to Chattanooga.
Earlier this week, a constitutional amendment by Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, passed the Alabama Senate by a vote of 23-9. On Thursday, SB319 was referred to the House of Representatives committee on Economic Development and Tourism.
In Alabama, a constitutional amendment must be passed by a 60% vote in each house of the state legislature during one session to appear on the ballot during the November 2022 general election. A 1999 referendum to create a state lottery and to earmark the resulting revenue for use in education failed to pass 54% to 46%.
Alabama House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, clarified the status of a bill he introduced affecting future appointments to the board of directors of the Fort Payne Improvement Authority. He also offered his thoughts on bills concerning gambling and medical marijuana.
Ledbetter said he asked the Fort Payne City Council to consider a resolution supporting HB223 to expand terms on the FPIA board to six years and permit city council members to serve.
Ledbetter stated it was inaccurately reported that the bill had passed the House of Representatives and made its way to the Senate, but he said the measure is effectively killed in committee since two of the city council members, Phillip Smith and John Smith, voted against it at Fort Payneâs March 2 meeting.
Despite media reports linking proposed gambling legislation to an agreement to allow the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to build a new casino in either DeKalb or Jackson counties, Dist. 8 State Sen. Steve Livingston assured constituents he will study the bill and follow any amendments to it carefully.
Livingston, who represents DeKalb, Jackson and Madison counties, sits on the Alabama Senate Tourism Committee, which gave a favorable report Wednesday to Senate Bill 214. This proposed amendment to the Alabama Constitution is sponsored by State Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston. It would overturn Alabamaâs ban on gambling and games of chance. Senate Bill 215 is the enabling legislation that would go into effect if SB214 is passed and then ratified by Alabama voters on the Nov. 2022 ballot. A 1999 referendum on a constitutional amendment to create a state state lottery and to earmark the resulting revenue for use in education failed 54% to 46%.