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Ivey talks legislation, prisons on Capitol Journal tonight

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In an interview airing this evening on Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, Gov. Kay Ivey voiced her support for the lottery and gambling legislation approved in the Alabama House on Thursday.

Ivey said she may never buy a lottery ticket or cast a bet on a football game.

“(But) my interest in this bill is to fix a broken system the right way and have gambling that is available to people (be) limited, regulated and controlled … illegal gambling is rampant in our state right now and that’s not a good thing,” Ivey said.

Like other proponents of the bill, Ivey said it will give law enforcement the means to crack down on illegal gambling in the state while setting up expanded, legal options.

Those who don’t want to participate in anything the bill offers wouldn’t have to, she said, but the proposal is a “good deal” for the state.

It’s estimated that a lottery, expanded casino options and sport bettering will earn the state between $635 million and $913 million in new revenue each year.

Another major bill this session is the education savings account tax credit plan her office drafted. 

“We’ve been working on this for months because we want to get it right,” Ivey said. “This can make Alabama the (most school choice-friendly) state in the nation and go a long way toward having Alabama in the top 30 for educational outcomes.” 

The proposal would let families receive tax credits up to $7,000 per year for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Homeschool families could receive $2,000 per student, up to $4,000 per year.

Within the  first two years, this will be available to families who are at 300% of the federal poverty level and  are the most in need. After the two years, all families will be eligible.  

“This will be sustainable for years to come,” Ivey said.  

Todd also asked the governor about efforts to fund a second new prison in Escambia County, as outlined in 2021 legislation. Alabama Daily News reported this week that state leaders are seeking money for the prison after cost overruns and inflation ate up more than $1 billion at the Elmore prison, leaving little for the Escambia site.

Ivey said  she is working closely with legislators to find funding. She acknowledged the possibility of delays but reiterated her commitment to the second prison.

Ivey pledged $100 million for prison construction in her proposed General Fund supplemental spending proposal sent to lawmakers last week.

“It may take some more time, but we’re going to get it done,” Ivey said. “… We are going to stick with it because we have to have two modern prisons.”

Capitol Journal airs Friday at 7:30 and Sunday at noon on Alabama Public Television.

 

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