Alabama Lawmakers Propose Vote on State Lottery
State Senator Jim McClendon, a Republican from Springville, has proposed a bill that would allow Alabamians to vote on whether or not they want a state lottery.
McClendon said Tuesday he had been spurred to action by people in his district.
“Everywhere I go, people are saying, ‘We’ve got our tickets’ or ‘We’re on the way,’,” McClendon said in a press conference at the State House in Montgomery. “They are driving to surrounding states. They are leaving our money, and they cannot understand why Alabama does not offer what 44 states in America offer.”
McClendon says his bill is simple. If passed, it would allow Alabamians to vote — yes or no — on a constitutional amendment that would set up a state lottery. McClendon’s proposal does not mention how or where the money from the lottery would be used.
House Minority Leader Craig Ford, a Gadsden Democrat, also filed a bill in support of the lottery. His bill would send the proceeds to fund scholarships at state colleges.
In the past, Alabama voters and lawmakers have rejected attempts to green light a lottery.
McClendon said he was not prompted to action by Wednesday’s $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot.
States are cutting Medicaid provider payments long before Trump cuts hit
North Carolina and Idaho have cut their Medicaid programs to bridge budget gaps, raising fears that providers will stop taking patients and that hospitals will close even before the brunt of a new federal tax-and-budget law takes effect.
At least 5 dead in large-scale nighttime Russian strike on Ukraine
At least five civilians died after Russia launched a major nighttime attack on Ukraine overnight into Sunday, a barrage which officials said targeted civilian infrastructure.
With makeshift jump ropes and hide and seek, kids play to cope with crisis
From Gaza to Ukraine to South Sudan, children play to deal with the stress — and find a moment of joy.
The mother of Colombian corals
Known as the mother of Colombian corals, at 70, marine biologist Elvira Alvarado is still diving — and pioneering "coral IVF" to help save endangered reefs.
25 years after its premiere, ‘Gilmore Girls’ still draws fans to small town Connecticut
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore's fictional hometown of Stars Hollow was born after Gilmore Girls creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, stayed in northwestern Connecticut. The show premiered in the fall of 2000.
Sunday Puzzle: First and last two letters
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with Minnesota Public Radio listener Erin Rhode of Plymouth, Minnesota along with Weekend Edition Puzzle Master Will Shortz.
