Alabama lottery debate continues as Mega Millions jackpot grows

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Alabamians felt the lotto fever Friday because the Mega Thousands and thousands jackpot topped off at $1.2 billion, making it the second-largest jackpot in Mega Thousands and thousands historical past.

Alabama doesn’t have a state lottery program, however that didn’t cease folks from racing to the state strains to play what they imagine are their profitable numbers.

“The road is wrapped round aisles,” stated Elba Solano, a lottery participant from Montgomery.

Solano was at a gasoline station on close to Interstate 85 just some miles from the Georgia state line to buy her Mega Thousands and thousands tickets.

She added she would vote for a lottery program in Alabama “for our schooling system,” saying it could create a greater future for the kids.

Lawmakers like Alabama Rep. Chip Brown, R-Cell County, stated the shortage of a lottery system is inflicting the state to overlook out on thousands and thousands of {dollars} that may very well be put in direction of schooling.

“We’re serving to to finance schooling and all sorts of packages in Florida and Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana,” Brown stated.

Brown, amongst different lawmakers, has launched a lottery invoice in a legislative session, however they’ve been shot down every time.

Greg Davis, president of Alabama Residents Motion Program, or ALCAP, stated the state ought to stay with out a lottery program.

“(The lottery) takes cash out of your native financial system,” Davis stated, “So now your metropolis and your county, they’re lacking that cash.”

Davis added Alabama has not missed out on any cash by not collaborating within the lottery, saying schooling within the state has been nicely funded.

“As an alternative of shopping for $100 price of lottery tickets, go donate $100 to the varsity in your neighborhood,” he stated, “They’ll take the cash. Or write a test. The varsity will take the cash. That’ll assist schooling.”

Brown talked about the potential for one other lottery invoice being launched is excessive, however he desires constituents to make that call for themselves.

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