After weeks of deliberation and debate, it appears that the Senate will not be taking another vote on the proposed gambling and lottery constitutional amendment on Thursday. This comes as a significant blow to advocates for the measure, who had been hopeful that it would pass with bipartisan support.
The proposed amendment, which would allow for the expansion of gambling in the state and the introduction of a state lottery, had been met with mixed reactions from lawmakers. Proponents argued that it would bring much-needed revenue to the state, while opponents expressed concerns about the social consequences of increased gambling.
The initial vote on the amendment took place last week, and it narrowly passed by a margin of just two votes. However, some senators who voted in favor of the measure have since expressed second thoughts, leading to speculation that it may not have enough support to pass if brought to a vote again.
Senate Majority Leader John Smith, who had been a vocal supporter of the amendment, acknowledged the challenges facing the measure. “We have been working tirelessly to garner the support needed to pass this amendment, but it appears that we may not have enough votes to do so at this time,” he said in a statement.
Despite this setback, advocates for the amendment have not given up hope. They are continuing to reach out to undecided senators in an effort to secure the additional votes needed for passage. However, time is running out, as the legislative session is scheduled to end next week.
If the Senate does not take another vote on the amendment this week, it would likely be tabled until the next legislative session. This would be a major disappointment for supporters of the measure, who had been eager to see it enacted into law.
In the meantime, the debate over gambling and the lottery in the state is sure to continue. Lawmakers on both sides of the issue are expected to continue to push for their views, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached in the future. For now, all eyes are on the Senate as the deadline for a vote on the amendment approaches.
