Alabama House Democrats Want Lottery Vote, Tobacco Tax

Democrats in the Alabama House have announced their support for a state lottery referendum, 6 percent raise for public employees and a tobacco tax increase.

The House Democratic Caucus unveiled its agenda Tuesday. House Minority Leader Craig Ford of Gadsden says it’s been 15 years since Alabama voters turned down a state lottery, and it’s time for another statewide vote.

Rep. Joe Hubbard of Montgomery is sponsoring a $1-a-pack increase in the tobacco tax. He says it could help fund Medicaid and pay for a 6 percent raise for state employees and retirees.

The caucus is also pushing a 6 percent raise for education employees and retirees. That would be funded by ending private school tax credits and repealing a law that limits the growth in state education spending.

 

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)