MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Another influential Alabama Senate Republican has thrown his support behind expanding gambling as a solution to the state’s general fund budget woes, while slamming the House’s proposition to give casino exclusivity to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
“The only plan I have seen that makes any sense is Senator Marsh’s proposal to create an ongoing stream of revenue, produce 11,000 jobs, and generate a $1 billion annual economic impact,” said Sen. Gerald Dial (R-Lineville). “Above all else, the Marsh plan allows the people to make the final decision on this issue. It’s time to let the people vote and define their own future for the state.”
Sen. Dial said the deal proposed by the House to grant the Poarch Creek Indians exclusive gaming rights in exchange for a one-time $250 million check sounded “like a bribe.”
“I believe this proposal is illegal and that the state would be prohibited from taking the money even if it wanted to,” Sen. Dial remarked.
To help incentivize members to pass a budget during the regular session, and keep costs of a potential special session down, Dial also sponsored a resolution stating that lawmakers would forgo compensation during any special sessions this year.
“We got elected to come do a job, and that job is to pass a budget,” he said. “We have yet to do that this session and if we have to come back in a special session, it should be on us – not the taxpayers.”
Neither the Senate nor House have voted on any of the proposals to balance the general fund budget. There remain only 9 legislative days left before the end of the 2015 regular session.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
