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March is Women's History Month!

Marsh To Introduce Lottery, Casino Legislation

The Republican leader of the Alabama Senate says he will introduce legislation to authorize a lottery and casino gambling in the state.  Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said that is is time to let the people of Alabama make a decision on gambling.  Marsh said Alabama is in a dire fiscal situation and the state needs additional revenue.  Marsh said Alabama sends money every year across state lines to casinos and lotteries in other states.  

Budget Package

Republicans in the Alabama House released their own budget plan Tuesday that endorses entering into a gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.  The Poarch Creeks would put $250 million dollars toward the state's 2016 budget shortfall and then provide additional revenue annually.  The tribe has stated its willingness to do this in exchange for a monopoly on gambling in the state.  Another major part of the package is a 25 cent tax increase on cigarettes.  The tax increase is projected to raise around 60 million dollars for the General Fund annually.  The remainder of the House Republicans plan would utilize a combination of state agency consolidations, cost saving measures on state employees pay and some fee and tax increases.  

Triple Murder

Birmingham police have identified three men found dead inside a home in what they describe as a triple gunshot killing.  Authorities say two 24-year-olds, Korde Turner and Johnny Griffin, were killed along with 35-year-old Willie Washington.  All three victims are from Birmingham.  No arrests have been made.