|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In a bold move to shift the narrative on gaming legislation in Alabama, the grassroots organization Give Alabama a Voice has announced an ambitious television ad campaign set to sweep across the state starting Friday. This initiative aims to educate the public on the intricacies of gaming laws, challenging the long-standing opposition spearheaded by politicians, large insurance entities, and external special interest groups.
Under the banner “it’s not their decision,” the campaign seeks to underscore a critical message: the fate of gaming legislation has been tightly held in the hands of a few, sidelining the voice of Alabama’s citizens. Despite the changing landscape of gaming laws nationwide, with many states transitioning from illicit operations to regulated and legitimate businesses, Alabama remains a notable holdout. Astonishingly, the state’s voters have not been presented with the opportunity to cast their ballots on this matter at all in the 21st century.
The timing of the campaign is strategic, riding on the back of recent surveys conducted by reputable national research firms. These polls reveal a striking consensus among Alabama’s electorate, transcending party lines with wide support among Republicans and Democrats. A significant majority express support for legislative efforts to regulate and tax gaming facilities. The call for transparency and fairness is loud and clear, with nearly 90 percent of respondents advocating for all gaming establishments to contribute taxes to the state’s coffers. Perhaps most compelling is the nearly unanimous—90 percent-desire for the legislature to allow a public vote on the issue, signaling a strong push toward democratic decision-making in the realm of gaming legislation.
This television ad buy by Give Alabama a Voice is not just a campaign; it’s a clarion call for empowerment, urging lawmakers to heed the will of the people. As the debate over gaming continues to evolve, this initiative aims to ensure that every voice in Alabama is heard, paving the way for informed decisions that reflect the values and preferences of its citizens. The days ahead promise to be pivotal as the state grapples with the potential reshaping of its gaming landscape.
The ad’s script reads:
Announcer: Politicians, big insurance companies and out-of-state special interests want to stop the lottery from coming to Alabama, but it’s not their decision. The gaming bill will let Alabamians decide if we want a lottery and how to best tax and regulate gaming.
Watch ad: Here.
To learn more, visit: givealavoice.com.
