In Montgomery this week, lawmakers are looking at a lottery bill. Which might make you think, well, it’s about time for a lottery in Alabama. But, like so many things that come out of the state house, this one’s a hidden stinker. According to columnist Kyle Whitmire, the bill is designed to give the casinos operated by Poarch Creek Indians “a huge competitive edge — some say a monopoly — over other existing gambling operations in Alabama. Potentially with a much smaller, if any, tax benefit to Alabama.” The bill would establish a paper-only lottery, and its revenues would go to the Alabama Trust Fund and general fund — meaning it would not fund education, as other lottery proposals have done. As it would be a constitutional amendment, voters would have to approve this law at the ballot box. That piece of legislation comes up in the Senate Tourism Committee at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. What else is on tap for Montgomery? State house reporter Mike Cason says this is what’s coming this week: On Tuesday, the Tourism Committee will consider a bill by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, to repeal the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed pistol. The House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on Wednesday will consider the bill by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, to block sheriffs from pocketing money intended to feed jail inmates. Orr’s bill has already passed the Senate. |
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