Will Arkansas See a Lottery?
By: Alexa Hamblin
Updated: September 20, 2007
Lt. Governor Bill Halter is working to put the issue of a state-run lottery on the ballot in 2008. But would Arkansans go for it? Lt. Gov. Bill Halter wants Arkansans to vote "yes" to the idea of a lottery in Arkansas, because the revenues would fund much-needed college scholarships in the state. More and more often these days, students are working hard in school, only to find their families just can't afford to send them to college. Lt. Gov. Halter says a lottery in Arkansas could alleviate this problem by raking in money for college scholarships.
But opponents, like Fayetteville Christian School Superintendent Brad Jones, say that money would come primarily from low-income families who need to hold onto what they have. "I would say for every family that benefits from a scholarship, 10 families who are disadvantaged suffer because they spent money on lottery tickets... and that's grocery money... or gas for the car," says Jones.
Earlier today, Halter submitted his lottery proposal to the Attorney General for review.
