Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston Alabama could raise about $400 million in new revenue with a lottery and casinos at the state’s 4 greyhound tracks, reportedly a report let go today by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. State lawmakers will consider the report as they decide whether or not it is time to suggest gaming as a means to assist fund services in Alabama. “At a time when we are talking about either massive allot cuts or higher taxes, this is something we certainly need to look at and consider,” Marsh stated in a news source release. The president pro-tem’s workplace commissioned the study by the Auburn University at Montgomery Institute for Accountability and Authorities Efficiency. The study found in that a state lottery would generate $332 million in revenue after prizes and expenses are paid. It found in that in addition to slot machines and table games at hound tracks in Birmingham, Mobile, Macon County and Greene County would raise $64 million to $74 million, depending on whether or not the state imposed a tax of 13 % or 15 percent. Marsh stated he commissioned the study to get an independent set of numbers about what gambling could imply for state revenue. The state faces a projected shortfall of $200 million or more within the General Fund in 2016. A lottery and casino games wouldn’t are available time to fix in that issue 'cause they would require voter approval in a constitutional amendment. However the General Fund problems aren’t confined to 2016. The Legislature has relied on transfers and one-time sources to cover the gaps within the price anger for years. Rachel Adams, spokeswoman for Home Speaker Mike Hubbard, issued a press release concerning the AUM report: “Speaker Hubbard is reviewing the study and formulating an opinion, yet even if a referendum were held, it would take place well in to the next fiscal year,” Adams stated. “This proposal does not solve our 2016 allot issue and an immediate answer is still required.” Gov. Robert Bentley has proposed raising taxes on cars and tobacco and eliminating some credit and exemptions to raise $541 million in revenue to cover the 2016 shortfall and balance the General Fund in future years. …
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