The latest on a special session of the Mississippi Legislature to discuss transportation:

4:15 p.m.

Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn says he won't block a proposal from the lottery from passing his chamber "if the votes are there" among Republicans.

Gunn, a Republican from Clinton, says Monday that House members intend to press forward quickly with a proposal to divert some taxes on internet sales to cities and counties as soon as a special session opens. Gov. Phil Bryant has said he will call lawmakers together Thursday but has yet to issue the document making that official.

Gunn says the House will await action on a lottery by the Senate. Gunn, a prominent Baptist layman, says his opposition to a lottery rests on economic grounds, not his religious faith.

Lt. Gov Tate Reeves says he's ready to accept most transportation funding proposals championed by Gunn. Reeves is still seeking the change how money is distributed to cities and counties, but Gunn says he has yet to see an idea that's better than giving the money to localities directly with few strings attached.

11:30 a.m.

Mississippi's lieutenant governor says he's ready to accept most transportation funding proposals championed by leaders of the state House. That makes an agreement more likely during a special session.

Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves tells reporters Monday that any package of legislation is likely to include transferring some taxes on internet sales to cities and counties, plus using money from sports betting and creating a state lottery to increase spending on the state Department of Transportation.

Reeves leads the Senate. He describes his stance as "a big move to the House position" compared to proposals he made earlier this year. The main sticking point appears to be how to administer money to cities and counties.

Gov. Phil Bryant says he intends for a special session to begin Thursday.

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2018/08/20/mississippi-house-speaker-philip-gunn-wont-block-lottery/1046830002/