Gambling and Education Taking Center Stage at Legislative Preview
Published: January 18, 2025
By Tyler Raley
HOOVER – A recent legislative preview held at Jefferson State Community College highlighted key topics for the upcoming session. The focus was primarily on gambling and education.
At the event, House Chair Arnold Mooney praised Shelby County for its progress, calling it a leader in financial responsibility. He emphasized teamwork and the community’s commitment to improving the county.
Senator Jabo Waggoner spoke about the ongoing debate surrounding gambling. He hinted at the introduction of a lottery bill, noting past discussions on table games and casinos. Last session, a casino bill nearly passed but fell short by just one vote in the Senate. Waggoner stressed the importance of this issue, pointing out that the proposed gambling measure could have significantly impacted education funding, potentially boosting it by $600 million.
Jim Carnes from House District 48 shared his concerns about the lottery bill’s chances of passing in its current format. He argued that a standalone lottery won’t be enough to satisfy gambling interests, hinting that any future proposals might need to encompass various forms of gambling.
State Senator April Weaver discussed new legislation to tackle sextortion and child safety. This initiative comes as a response to a local incident that underscored the need for education on these issues. She also shed light on the growing fentanyl crisis and expressed interest in addressing new harmful substances like galaxy gas.
Russell Bedsole from House District 49 highlighted existing legislation, noting there are currently 121 pre-filed bills aimed at improving community safety. He recognized Shelby County’s strong education systems and the need for effective allocation of the $9.3 billion educational budget.
Kenneth Paschal is focusing on mental health services for veterans. He created a committee to assess and improve the support available for veterans dealing with mental wellness issues. Paschal also launched a campaign to raise awareness, placing billboards across Alabama to promote the Veterans Crisis Line.
Susan DuBose, representing House District 45, showcased Alabama’s leadership in school choice. She noted that demand for this program is high, with thousands of families already applying. DuBose also aims to increase the age of medical majority in the state, which currently lags behind others in the nation.
Leigh Hulsey from House District 15 shared her concerns about literacy education, arguing that many students are not truly learning to read. She emphasized the need for teaching methods that foster genuine reading skills rather than mere word identification. Hulsey also plans to revisit earlier legislation aimed at addressing the negative impacts of cell phone usage in schools.
As the legislative session approaches, these discussions highlight important areas of focus for the community, ensuring that issues like education and gambling remain at the forefront of lawmakers’ agendas.
