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State lottery could benefit Arkansas students
The Traveler Editorial Board
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Opinion
The November election ballot in Arkansas will feature yet another controversial measure looking to be passed: a statewide lottery. Even though the lottery is a point of controversy in some states, it is becoming more widely accepted around the nation. In fact, Arkansas is one of only eight states to not have a lottery.
Even though opponents of this measure have voice strong opinions, even taking it to the Arkansas Supreme Court to get it removed from the ballot, a statewide lottery would offer several benefits to Arkansas, including more scholarship money for college students in need.
The "Hope for Arkansas" lottery proposal has proven to be successful in states around Arkansas, including Kentucky, which has raised over $1 billion over the last 10 years for students through the state lottery. The money from the lottery going towards college scholarships would not only entice students to remain in college and out of debt, but also motivate students to actually go to college.
The overwhelming challenge of working a full-time job while taking classes forces a number of college students to drop out. More scholarships would provide the needed aid for a number of those students to remain in college. Arkansas is second to last in the nation in the number of working individuals with a college education, according to Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter.
Those opposed to the lottery might cite addiction as a reason to keep it out of Arkansas. But while addictions an be a life-ruining aspect in people's lives, the money being gambled away in an Arkansas lottery would be going back to people who can put it to better use.
Compulsive gamblers and gambling addicts around Arkansas will find their way to feeding their addiction. With every state surrounding Arkansas already having a statewide lottery, Arkansas residents (especially those in Northwest Arkansas) do not have to travel far to get their lottery or casino fix.
Another reason put forth in the fight against putting the lottery measure on the ballot is the possibility to open the door for more gambling and casinos in Arkansas. While those things might not be the worst measure passed for the state, they are not included on the ballot and the money spent on lottery tickets in surrounding states like Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas will not go towards Arkansas college students in need.
Lt. Gov. Halter has taken the right action by placing the lottery measure on the ballot. The citizens of Arkansas should be the deciding factor in the decision to add a statewide lottery. If people disagree with the lottery, then they should show their support for their personal stance by showing up at the polls Nov. 4 and voting on the issue.
With the millions and billions of dollars flowing through state lotteries, that money should be going toward forwarding the education level of students in Arkansas. Plus, who doesn't like stopping at gas stations and picking up a few of those scratch- off tickets?
Even though opponents of this measure have voice strong opinions, even taking it to the Arkansas Supreme Court to get it removed from the ballot, a statewide lottery would offer several benefits to Arkansas, including more scholarship money for college students in need.
The "Hope for Arkansas" lottery proposal has proven to be successful in states around Arkansas, including Kentucky, which has raised over $1 billion over the last 10 years for students through the state lottery. The money from the lottery going towards college scholarships would not only entice students to remain in college and out of debt, but also motivate students to actually go to college.
The overwhelming challenge of working a full-time job while taking classes forces a number of college students to drop out. More scholarships would provide the needed aid for a number of those students to remain in college. Arkansas is second to last in the nation in the number of working individuals with a college education, according to Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter.
Those opposed to the lottery might cite addiction as a reason to keep it out of Arkansas. But while addictions an be a life-ruining aspect in people's lives, the money being gambled away in an Arkansas lottery would be going back to people who can put it to better use.
Compulsive gamblers and gambling addicts around Arkansas will find their way to feeding their addiction. With every state surrounding Arkansas already having a statewide lottery, Arkansas residents (especially those in Northwest Arkansas) do not have to travel far to get their lottery or casino fix.
Another reason put forth in the fight against putting the lottery measure on the ballot is the possibility to open the door for more gambling and casinos in Arkansas. While those things might not be the worst measure passed for the state, they are not included on the ballot and the money spent on lottery tickets in surrounding states like Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas will not go towards Arkansas college students in need.
Lt. Gov. Halter has taken the right action by placing the lottery measure on the ballot. The citizens of Arkansas should be the deciding factor in the decision to add a statewide lottery. If people disagree with the lottery, then they should show their support for their personal stance by showing up at the polls Nov. 4 and voting on the issue.
With the millions and billions of dollars flowing through state lotteries, that money should be going toward forwarding the education level of students in Arkansas. Plus, who doesn't like stopping at gas stations and picking up a few of those scratch- off tickets?
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 4
Mark McCollum
posted 10/06/08 @ 3:17 PM CST
Just because other states permit lotteries and casinos does not mean we should. Scholarship money for students at the expense of the poor and foolish with this method is by any other definition stealing. (Continued…)
Shane Griffin
posted 10/19/08 @ 10:03 AM CST
The truth is people are trying to stand on a moral high ground that doesn't exist here in Arkansas. All four sides of Arkansas are bordered by states with lotteries. (Continued…)
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