In a surprising move, Governor Kay Ivey has announced that she will not be calling a special session to readdress the failed gambling bill that was recently voted down by the Alabama Legislature. The bill, which aimed to expand gambling in the state and create a state lottery, was a hotly debated topic among lawmakers and citizens alike.
Despite the bill’s failure to pass through the legislative process, Governor Ivey had previously indicated that she was open to the possibility of calling a special session to revisit the issue. However, in a statement released earlier today, Ivey cited the lack of support from key stakeholders and the contentious nature of the issue as reasons for her decision not to move forward with a special session.
“I have carefully considered the feedback from all sides on this issue, and I have come to the conclusion that calling a special session at this time would not be productive,” Governor Ivey said in the statement. “While I believe that expanding gambling in Alabama could have positive economic benefits for the state, I also recognize the deeply held concerns that many Alabamians have about the potential social and moral implications of such a move.”
The gambling bill faced significant opposition from conservative lawmakers and religious groups, who argued that expanding gambling in the state would lead to increased crime, addiction, and other social problems. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, contended that legalizing gambling would generate much-needed revenue for the state and create thousands of jobs.
Governor Ivey’s decision not to call a special session comes as a disappointment to many supporters of the bill, who had hoped that the issue could be revisited and potentially revised to garner more bipartisan support. However, some lawmakers have praised Ivey for her decision, commending her for taking a cautious approach to such a contentious issue.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for gambling in Alabama, as the issue is likely to be revisited in the next legislative session. In the meantime, Governor Ivey has indicated that she will continue to listen to feedback from all sides and carefully consider the best course of action moving forward.
