The Alabama Retired State Employees Association and Alabama Public Employees Advocacy League (ARSEA/APEAL) is urging all retirees and employees to support the latest gaming legislation in the state.
The organization is advocating that revenue from HB151 and HB152 could contribute to a cost of living adjustment for state retirements — something that has not happened since 2006. ARSEA/APEAL argues that rising inflation has and will continue to devalue state retirement.
“A dependable funding source produced by gaming revenue may finally allow for an increase in retirement benefits. In addition, we have always taken the position that Alabamians should be allowed to express their views on matters of great importance such as the creation of a state lottery and the authorization of gaming through statewide election,” an email to its members read.
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ARSEA/APEAL is urging its members to contact their local senators to find out where they stand on this issue and push them to support the legislation.
“Casino and sports betting revenues, predicted to be in the $300 million to $400 million range, would be directed to the General Fund Budget, and the roughly $200 million that a lottery is estimated to produce would go to the Education Trust Fund.”
The legislation, which received House approval, could be discussed in the Senate as early as this week.
The bills are considered the current opportunity Alabama has at legalized gaming, a lottery, casinos, and sports betting framework since voters last rejected the format presented to them as a constitutional ballot amendment in 1999.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
