Mississippi State lottery: Senate Bill 2976

A longtime proponent of Mississippi setting up a state lottery is trying to pressure leaders of the legislature to move in that direction.
Today, Rep. Alyce Clark successfully amended Senate Bill 2976 to say the state gaming commission wouldn’t get any money in the budget beginning July 1st until Mississippi enacts a lottery to benefit schools, roads, and cities. The gaming commission regulates casinos and charitable gambling in the state.
Clarke says the move is meant to send a message to Republican leaders who oppose the lottery that most lawmakers support. The amendment was adopted on an unrecorded voice vote and the bill then passed 88-26.
The measure is headed to a conference between the House and Senate to work out differences.