Robert Bentley calls special session for Alabama lottery

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is calling a special session of the Alabama Legislature solely tasked with considering a state lottery.

Bentley announced the plan Wednesday morning in a video posted on his website where he says he wants lawmakers to approve legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to approve a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery.

“Let’s hear from the people of this great state on whether the time has come to approve a statewide lottery to help fund essential state services for our children, our elderly, those with mental illness and those who are in most need, as well as the men and women in law enforcement,” Bentley said.

BREAKING: We need your help solving our funding crisis.I’m giving you the opportunity to vote on a Statewide Lottery. https://t.co/BLzE3bOXLP

— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) July 27, 2016

Bentley explained a lottery would raise roughly $225 million a year, revenue which could be applied to basic services.

“We must once and for all solve problems that have held our state back for decades,” Bentley explained. “The time has come for us to find a permanent solution …. This solution will provide funding that we can count on for year after year without ever having to raise your taxes or put one more band-aid on our state’s money problems.”

In order for a lottery proposal to make it on the general election ballot Nov. 8, the Legislature would need to approve it no later than Aug. 24.

Bentley did not announce a date for the session.

Watch Bentley’s announcement below: