STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL LOTTERY

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey gave her annual State of the State address in Montgomery Tuesday evening, which was also the first day of the Legislative session.

She talked about her agenda for the year which includes jobs, infrastructure, the criminal justice system, and a state lottery.

“For years going back to 1999 when Gov. Don Siegelman was promoting an Alabama lottery, we’ve been hearing that expanding gaming in some form would solve all of our problems and provide money for all sorts of good ideas,” Ivey said. “Keep in mind, the last time the legislature gave voters an opportunity to cast their votes, the so-called education lottery was voted down by the people by 54 to 46%. It wasn’t even close.”

Ivey said she will be signing an executive order to establish a small group to do a study to see exactly how much revenue the state could receive if gaming were allowed. She said the names of those involved in the group will be released in the coming days.