Gov. Robert Bentley has called a special section of the Alabama legislature, beginning Aug. 15.

Bentley is asking the legislature to move forward with a bill that would allow Alabamians to vote for or against a lottery, which he says would generate $225 million annually.

“After we have exhausted all other options, I believe this is our best chance to solve this problem,” he said. “But this is not just about a lottery, this is about our people.

“I will not, as your governor and as a physician, watch as our most helpless and vulnerable people go without a doctor’s care.”

Bentley announced earlier in the week his plans to begin travelling the state to speak with Alabamians about a lottery. He actually set a date for the special session yesterday.

He has yet to release details for his proposal.