Gov. Robert Bentley's lottery plan could face uphill battle

Gov. Robert Bentley, who said a year ago that lotteries were as old-fashioned as leisure suits, now says they are the best remaining option to boost funding for important state programs, especially Medicaid.

State lawmakers return to Montgomery on Monday for a special session to consider the governor's proposal for a lottery to raise money for the state budget.

Previously, Bentley has said he did not oppose a lottery proposal going on the ballot for voters, but was not a proponent of a lottery as a way to fund government.

Bentley has turned to the lottery after lawmakers rejected most of his other proposals for addressing the perpetual problem with state funding.

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