By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Governor Bob Riley's administration say it's proposed budget includes more money for textbooks than the Bingo for Books bill, and it would pay for textbooks with legalizing gambling.
The bill would legalize high stakes bingo at Alabama's dog tracks, and tax it to generate revenue for new textbooks in local schools. But Riley's spokesperson chief Jeff Emerson says the Governor's budget includes 56 million dollars for textbooks, which is more money than the Bingo supporter say their plan would generate.
The bill passed the state Senate 21-9 on Friday, after encountered heavy debate and filibustering. The bill now goes to the House.