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Old
Dominion
Politics
drugs. There’s no reason this couldn’t work in Virginia. And I’m sure all Virginians want to see improved educational opportunities so that our young will have a better chance in life. How about using some lottery funds in a special revolving fund to increase the amount of student loans available?
What about using some of the money to speed the Chesapeake Bay clean-up so that future generations will derive from this magnificient body of water the same beauty and economic benefits we’ve enjoyed?
Ordinary men and women are the backbone of the Virginia lottery. It’s not the millionaire who goes into a 711 and buys a lottery ticket, but those willing to invest a few bucks in a dream.
I think these folks will feel satisfied even if they lose, if some of their money goes to purposes that benefit the general populace and not Just a favored few. ■' '***'
Sure wTe need prisons, but Jet’s pay for them out of general firnds.
For years I said that average Virginians w'ere willing to pay an “involuntary tax” known as a lottery. The results have more than demonstrated I was right.
But to keep the lottery successful and prospering, we must keep the faith with those who buy the tickets. We must use the revenues in highly visible ways for projects and causes that have broad support of the people who plunk down their dollars for a chance to win.
In short, we don’t need backroom deal-making when it comes to our lottery funds. The people are going to know how much money their lottery purchases are generating to the state, and they are going to expect uses of those funds that capture the popular imagination.
It’s time to earmark lottery funds for such people-oriented causes. If you agree, let the governor, members of the House Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee know about it.
Delegate O'Brien, a 15-year veteran of the House from Virginia Beach, was the first legislator to propose a state-operated lottery in Virginia. A Democrat, he is also chairman of the House Education Committee.
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