Bill proposes to cut lottery share to schools to boost prizes, sales - CA

Bill proposes to cut lottery share to schools to boost prizes, sales

By Steve Wiegand -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Monday, May 17, 2004

Faced with stagnant sales and a rising sea of gambling competition, California Lottery officials are pushing legislation that would cut the percentage of the games' revenues guaranteed to schools and increase the amount paid out in prizes.

The strategy, backed by a coalition of lottery suppliers, retailers and school officials, is based on the idea that less is sometimes more: Bigger prizes will spur greater customer interest and increased sales, which will mean more money for education even if the percentage is less.

"The bottom line is to maximize the lottery for public education," said Assemblyman George Plescia, R-La Jolla, who is carrying the bill, AB 2938.

snip...
"We have serious concerns about the bill," said Sandra Jackson, a spokeswoman for the 335,000-member California Teachers Association. "Schools are already hurting, and anything that could cut the funds we already receive would just hurt schools further."


more... http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/9327006p-10251765c.html

it makes sense to have larger prizes

they might want to cut the drawings to once a week--I don't know of any other state that does twice a week drawings

I don't know though--I don't like the idea of cutting funds to the schools