Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. spoke Wednesday at noon to the School of Law’s Law Democrats about his candidacy and the upcoming election. Much of his presentation revolved around his position on the prospect of lotteries and gaming in Alabama.
“I think we need to have a state-wide referendum and be done with this once and for all, whatever the outcome is,” Folsom said. “We’re not going to get a lot of people to vote for a raise in taxes, that’s why the lottery and gaming issue keeps coming up — because it’s revenue.”
Folsom was elected Alabama’s lieutenant governor in 2006, having returned to politics after 12 years in private business. He previously served Alabama as lieutenant governor from 1987 until 1993 and as governor from 1993 until 1995.
He also played a role in bringing the Mercedes-Benz M-Class Assembly Plant to Vance, Ala.
Folsom said that, despite the economic downturn, next year’s budget for the state has seen an uptick in revenues for general education. However, he said he expects the 2012 budgets to be a problem.
“With the slower economic growth and no stimulus, everyone is already getting ready for proration unless we have a dramatic growth in revenue,” he said.
He said the lottery and gaming issue is unusual because 63 to 64 percent of those sampled said they would like to at least vote on whether there should be a lottery.
“That’s why I have always felt very comfortable with a statewide referendum, because it’s not an issue that is going to be addressed by the legislature,” Folsom said.
Folsom said he believes if the state voted against the lottery, it would slightly alleviate the issue.
“There are always going to be lobbyists around,” Folsom said, “but I think it’d put an end to the movement for a while.”
Parker Yates, president of Law Democrats, said having Folsom speak at the Law School was an honor.
“We contacted Gov. Folsom about our interest in his speaking to our group,” Yates said. “His campaign had other events set up in Tuscaloosa.”
The Law School Democrats organization achieves its political goals through lectures, speakers, debates and campaigning.
Yates said he felt the event was a success.
“In addition to Gov. Folsom addressing the many issues that our state will face over the next four years, we also registered any unregistered members to vote before the Friday deadline,” Yates said.
Lauren Klumpp, the deputy finance director for Folsom’s campaign, said the team has been traveling a lot lately.
“This is a statewide campaign,” Klumpp said. “We have to get around and see as many folks as we can.”
The primary election for lieutenant governor will be held on Nov. 2. For more information on Jim Folsom Jr., visit Folsom’s webpage at www.folsom2010.com.
