West Alabama Lawmaker Wants Voters To Consider A Lottery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Some Republican lawmakers say it’s time Alabama considered a state lottery.

Sen. Jim McClendon of Springville and Rep. Alan Harper of Northport are introducing legislation in the upcoming session to let Alabamians vote on the idea of creating a lottery.

Alabamians in 1999 voted down a lottery when it was proposed by then-Gov. Don Siegelman. But the idea has not been put to a public vote since then.

McClendon said he is introducing the bill because his constituents “constantly” tell him they want to see a lottery in Alabama.

Forty-four states have lotteries. Only, Alabama, Mississippi, Utah, Nevada, Hawaii and Alaska do not.