Mississippi Governor Favor’s Lottery Legislation
Earlier this month the house of representatives in Mississippi voted down proposals that could potentially bring the lottery to the state. While this action is consistent with how many feel there are those who are asking themselves if Mississippi is not being to hasty. One of those asking that question is Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant.
As Governor Bryant is looking at more ways to bring revenue to the state he does not believe the lottery should be dismissed out of hand and he is not the only one. There is growing pressure for the State Senate to pick up the issue and to pick it up as soon as possible.
Governor Bryant is taking a two-prong approach to his lottery campaign. First, he is appealing to the house of representatives and to the senate to let the people vote. Governor Bryant has stated on numerous occasions that when he was the lieutenant governor and president of the senate he would bring as many issues as possible to the floor to be voted on.
Governor Bryant believed that a healthy debate was essential to good government. Second Governor Bryant is appealing to the senators and representatives duty to the people of Mississippi. With shortfalls in just about every area of the budget and additional 40 to 50 million dollars would really help. Tax collection in Mississippi has fallen short the past few years and other streams of income must be found.
The State of Mississippi is currently looking at House Bill 967 which contemplates the regulation of daily fantasy sports (DFS). Many people believe that this could be the gateway bill that will eventually lead to lottery legislation.
Whether or not this is the case remains to be seen. Other prominent political and civic leaders point to the fact that other states have implemented a state lottery and if the state of Mississippi does not then that is Mississippi dollars going to other states for no reason.
Ultimately the fight for a Mississippi lottery will come down to the people. In state after state where a lottery has been instituted it was because the people of the state voted in pro-lottery representatives and senators while voting out those who oppose the lottery. Governor Bryant is hoping to bypass this and get the current crop of legislators to approve a lottery. While some may argue the morality of a lottery none can argue the monetary impact such legislation can have.
