Arkansas Lt. Governor Looking To Lottery For Scholarship Funding

Whether it is innovative, or just copying an example from surrounding states, Lt. Governor Bill Halter believes the time has come for a state lottery in Arkansas. Money would be used to create college scholarships in the state.

In a trip to talk to at the meeting of the West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District Board of Directors, Halter spoke of how the state needs the lottery to continue on their way towards financial growth.

"Poll results say we can achieve a lottery scholarship program in Arkansas. To those who oppose the lottery, I respect your opinion and I respect your judgements, but with an issue such as this that is controversial and relates to the public, let's put it to the people and let them vote," said Halter.

Most states currently have lottery systems that are funding education. Halter estimates that at least $100 million could be generated for the scholarship fund, and that is on the low end.

His push for the lottery comes from figures that show that Arkansas is among the bottom states in the nation with adults that have a college degree. He is trying to change that statistic through raising money with the lottery proposal.

"This is about providing scholarship opportunities for Arkansas students and addressing the severe impediment of our state's economic development," said Halter.

March 22, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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