Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he’s waiting to see if his proposed a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery and casinos at the state’s four greyhound tracks will have support in a special session. Governor Robert Bentley has not said when he will call the special session, although lawmakers expect it will be held in August. Special sessions can last up to 12 meeting days within a 30-day period. The budget year begins October 1.
Marsh said, “It will depend on what options we have on the table and how inclined senators are to create revenue. There’s no guarantee they’re going to change their minds on revenue measures. I would hope that if we’re looking at revenue, at least some part of the gaming package is considered.” He noted that a report by Auburn University at Montgomery indicated a lottery alone would generate about $300 million a year in state revenue after prizes and expenses. Marsh added he does not believe senators will support Bentley’s tax increases totaling $541 million, which the governor proposed in the regular session.
Bentley recently vetoed the budget passed by the legislature that would have cut spending from the General Fund by $200 million, 11 percent, from this year. The House voted to override the veto, but it stood since the Senate adjourned early because, Marsh said, he did not want the Senate to have to override the veto.
