State Auditor Wants Safeguards in Place for Lottery
Jim Zeigler says he's worried supporters of Governor Robert Bentley could profit from lottery.
State Auditor Jim Zeigler says he is worried about any lottery bill that could come from the special session. Zeigler, who is pushing for the impeachment of Governor Robert Bentley says he doesn’t want any of the governor’s supporters profiting from a state run lottery.
Zeigler says he has already contacted the governor’s office about his concerns. The governor has proposed a lottery bill that he says would provide up to $250 million dollars for the general fund budget. It would more specifically be aimed at shoring up the state’s dwindling Medicaid budget.
Zeigler says lawmakers have already slashed his staff to the point where they are barely able to cover their current duties. He’s worried if safeguards are not put into place with a lottery bill, it’s likely the perfect set up for abuse.
“Number one, what safeguards are there Bentley supporters won’t get unbid contracts with lottery commission? Number two, safeguards Bentley supporters won’t be creating for themselves $200,000 per year jobs with expense accounts for commission. Number 3, safeguards that money earned from a lottery would not be wasted on pet projects,” Zeigler said to member of the Wetumpka Rotary Club on Tuesday.
The special session of the legislature is scheduled to begin on August 15. If lawmakers approve a lottery bill, it would still have to be approved by Alabama voters on the November ballot.
