David Bronner urges special session as Alabama misses out on gambling revenue – Yellowhammer News

The recent failure of the Alabama Legislature to pass significant gambling legislation has disappointed many Alabamians. Among them is David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama. He expressed his frustration in the organization’s monthly newsletter to say that the state will miss out on billions in potential revenue.

“Decades ago, the dean of the UA School of Law asked me to teach a basic business course to law students,” wrote Bronner. “Dean Christopher was concerned that the law students held degrees in different fields with little or no background in accounting or finance, which is essential in business. The same concept holds true for our political leaders. There are numerous differences between how governments and businesses operate, but a simple fact is that neither can survive by drastically cutting revenue and, at the same time, drastically increasing spending or expenses without causing major repercussions.”

Bronner predicted a revenue funding loss by 2026.

“Alabama received billions from the federal government due to COVID, BUT that will end in 2026 for all states. Alabama also cut some unfair taxes, like on groceries by one cent, yet cost a billion plus in government revenues over the next 10 years. Unfortunately, the Legislature did not replace that revenue, although they set up some savings accounts with one-time funds. Again, Alabamians like to forget that we are second to last in taxes paid, with only Alaskans paying less.”

“There have been no meaningful COLAs for RSA retirees in 18 years! There is no affordable healthcare coverage for nearly 200,000 Alabamians, many of whom are employed in low-paying positions. Rural hospitals are dropping like flies! Even great new programs like “Working for Alabama” by Governor Ivey require additional funding for childcare and housing to make an impact. We must also remember that every state agency, from ALEA (State Police) to Mental Health, has been grossly underfunded for decades.”

Bronner called on the 15 senators who voted against the legislation to provide a vision for an alternative path forward.

“Personally, I would strongly prefer more reasonable taxes than gambling, but Alabama has demonstrated and voted against that solution time and time again.”

“As I have previously stated, the Alabama House passed the full gaming package, while the Alabama Senate came within “one” vote of allowing Alabamians to vote on this issue. Governor Ivey should call a special session, but only if the public gets interested in the 15 Senators who voted NO and assures her of their support for the entire package. I have known some of the 15 Senators for decades, and some have legitimate reasons
for not supporting gaming solutions – BUT THEY OWE ALABAMA A MEANINGFUL SOLUTION
NOW, AND NOT WHEN THE TRAIN RUNS US OVER!”

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Bronner referenced a historical anecdote as a potential guide.

“Once again, after six years on the job in 1979, I asked Governor Wallace to call a special session, and he did,” said Bronner. “The result was that the huge financial problems that faced the Judicial Retirement Fund were corrected, and the fund is here today. I may not be correct. Maybe the good Lord will create more oil for us, like what happened to Governor James when we were flat broke.”

“If I am incorrect about 2026/2027, feel free to write on my headstone, “The Village Idiot!” But waiting for a known crisis that is coming and doing nothing except hoping we avoid the crisis is a lack of leadership by all of us.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten