Odds on legalized gambling in Georgia seem to grow longer
As the next legislative session draws near, Gov. Nathan Deal sounds increasingly sour on the odds of legalizing gambling passing muster.
The governor in October said "don't bet on it" getting on the ballot in 2016 and challenged the casino firms that have set their sights on Georgia to pony up more funds for the HOPE scholarship to earn his support.
This week he elaborated on his opposition, citing the nearly $1 billion pot of money the lottery generates for HOPE and other education programs.
"I don’t want us to do anything that would jeopardize that," said Deal. "I know HOPE has been such a successful program and people want to use that as a springboard. But there’s only a limited amount of money that is available for people to spend on gaming activities, and our HOPE program is totally dependent on the success of the lottery in the state."
Deal's signature is not needed on the constitutional amendment that would legalize casino gambling; that requires two-thirds legislative approval and the support of a majority of voters in a referendum. He would, however, have to sign the "enabling" legislation that is the legal nuts and bolts of how it works.
Much will depend on the work of a legislative study committee that began hearings in the fall and wraps up its work next week.
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U.S. Rep. Jody Hice was the only member of Georgia's House delegation to vote against the $305 billion measure to fund highways and mass transit projects for the next five years. Sen. David Perdue opposed it when it got to his chamber.
The measure, which also renewed the Export-Import Bank, passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support on Thursday.
The vote was 359-65. Opposition came from conservatives opposed to a provision renewing the Export-Import Bank and vehemently opposed to the budgetary tactics used to help fund transportation projects. The Senate was expected to pass the bill later Thursday and send it to President Barack Obama, who was expected to sign it.
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This song about U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson is one of the strangest things you'll hear all week.
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Gov. Nathan Deal honored the Georgia trooper who made headlines after spending Halloween night with four orphaned siblings.
"He told me the fact that it was spontaneous made it even better," Bradley said.
Instead of waiting for the children's grandmother to arrive from Florida after the fatal crash, Bradley decided he'd take care of the four himself, taking them to dinner and then to his post for movies and treats. Bradley later set up a fundraising page that topped $490,000 by late Thursday.
"It was just a really neat experience," Bradley said.
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
