Local Reaction to Lottery Bill
Political Analyst Steve Flowers weighs in on the controversial lottery bill, along with local voters.
The lottery bill got some traction in the special session but it looks like it will have to jump through more hoops if it will go before the people for a vote.
Political analyst Steve Flowers says he’s not sure it will be able to make it.
“It may have lost some votes because if it doesn’t come on the general election, which is the logical place to have it when people are voting anyway, some of the democrats are not going to vote for it because they think you are trying to discourage their people from voting in a special election. And the other side, some republicans will say I don’t want to spend 3 million dollars we don’t have on a special election,” said Flowers.
But some voters say they would be okay with the state spending the extra 3 million to let the people vote.
Charlie Deramus says, “yes, I mean you know in the long run it will pay off. You gotta start somewhere.”
Tameka Hendon agrees. “I think it is something that we need. It does a lot for the other states, helping with schools and stuff like that, so I think that is something we really need.”
But not everyone agrees with how the process is playing out.
“I’m all about the people having a vote. I think we need to be able to vote and make decisions as a community for sure and as a state. No doubt about it. But when I think something doesn’t pass initially and then it continues to keep getting pushed-passed, pushed-passed again I think there probably should be some flags there to look at,” said Wes Willis.
Lawmakers have until Friday to decide on the special election.
