Alabama lawmakers may be asked about lottery in special session

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama lawmakers are being polled about support for lottery legislation as the governor mulls a special session on Medicaid.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said legislative leaders are trying to gauge the interest from legislators. Marsh said the discussions come as the governor contemplates a special session that could include a lottery bill.

Gov. Robert Bentley said Wednesday that he anticipated an announcement soon on whether he would call a special session on Medicaid funding.

Republican Sen. Jim McClendon of Springville said he is working on a lottery bill that he will introduce the next time lawmakers are in session.

Alabama is one of six states without a state lottery. Alabama voters in 1999 rejected then-Gov. Don Siegelman’s proposed lottery to fund college scholarships and other education programs.