Alabama Special Session Begins, Lottery Legislation To Be Introduced

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – State lawmakers are digesting the details of Gov. Robert Bentley’s new budget and tax proposals as the Alabama Legislature starts its special session to address the state’s cash-strapped general fund.

Acting state finance director Bill Newton on Monday addressed a meeting of the Alabama House and Senate budget committees after lawmakers met for the first day of the special legislative session.

Newton says Bentley is proposing lawmakers pass $302 million in new tax revenue as part of a proposed $1.9 billion budget for the 2016 fiscal year.

Bentley’s proposals include changing the business privilege tax, raising taxes for tobacco products and eliminating the FICA tax deduction on state income taxes.

Newton says Bentley’s office drafted a bill for a higher soda tax as an alternate to the FICA tax proposal.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh says he will introduce lottery and casino legislation this special session, saying he believes the public is ready to vote on gambling.

The Senate Republican leader said he will file the bill Monday, and will seek a floor vote if he thinks the votes are there. Lawmakers on Monday began a special session to resolve a projected fiscal year 2016 budget shortfall.

Marsh said he is not looking at the lottery bill as a solution to next year’s shortfall. However, he said the state needs to have the conversation about gambling.

Gov. Robert Bentley is trying to limit gambling discussions in the special session. Bentley is seeking $310 million in new revenue.

The special session can last for up to 30 calendar days.