Democrats unveil legislative agenda

Rep. Craig Ford

The Democratic Caucus in the Alabama House of Representatives took an unusual step Wednesday, introducing their legislative agenda with more than one-third of the session over.

They are proposing a state lottery, a gambling compact with the Poarch Creek Indians, a cigarette tax increase and other initiatives.

Asked about the delay, House Minority Leader Craig Ford of Gadsden said the caucus has been waiting on the Republicans, who hold 72 of the 105 House seats, to lead the way on solutions to the state budget problems.

The House has taken almost no action on the Gov. Robert Bentley's $541 million tax package, although lawmakers did begin budget hearings W

ednesday.

The governor said wednesday he was prepared to call lawmakers back for special sessions if they don't pass the tax plan.

Ford said Republicans have focused on less important matters and have not done anything to address the shortfall.

Legislators have already met for 11 days of the maximum 30 days allowed this session.

Ford said he would propose two lottery bills.

One would fund college scholarships for A/B students, similar to Georgia's lottery. Ford has proposed that for years.

The second would send proceeds to the General Fund to support the Alabama Medicaid Agency.

Alabama voters rejected a lottery in 1999, but Ford said it's past time for another vote.

The Democrats will also propose a resolution encouraging Bentley to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to allow table games at their casinos in exchange for a share of the revenue.

Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, proposed a cigarette tax increase, from 42.5 cents a pack to 75 cents a pack. That would raise an estimated $20 million a year.

Bentley proposed raising the cigarette tax to $1.25 a pack and raising the tax on other tobacco products proportionally. Rep. Steve McMillan, R-Gulf Shores is sponsoring that bill, which has received no action so far.