Alabama Democratic Alternative to Budget Woes: Lottery & Casinos

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Democrats in the Alabama House of Representatives say the time has come for Alabama to consider legalized gambling as a revenue source.

House Democrats announced a legislative agenda Wednesday that includes creating a state lottery and urging the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The tribe would be allowed to operate table games in exchange for giving the state a share of the revenue.

House Majority Leader Craig Ford said voters deserve the chance to vote on a lottery.

Democrats offered their ideas as Gov. Robert Bentley struggles to build support for a proposed $541 million tax increase

Democrats’ agenda also includes removing the sales tax on food and raising the hourly minimum wage to $9.80.

Democrats hold 33 seats in the 105-member House.