Democrats in Alabama’s House of Representatives say it’s time for the state to consider legalized gambling as an additional source of revenue.
House Democrats revealed their legislative agenda yesterday. It includes creating a state lottery and urging Gov. Bentley to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe would be allowed to operate table games without interference in exchange for giving the state a share of the revenue.
House Minority Leader Craig Ford said Alabama’s voters deserve the chance to vote on a state lottery.
Democrats are proposing these additional revenue streams as Gov. Bentley struggles to build legislative support for his proposed $541 million state tax increase. Bentley continues to warn legislators that a wide variety of state services will receive massive cuts if they don't identify additional revenue sources.
Democrats' legislative agenda also includes removing Alabama’s sales tax on food and raising the hourly minimum wage to $9.80.
Currently, Democrats hold 33 seats in the 105-member House.