Here we go again, let’s raise taxes for our schools.
Here’s an idea. How about one of our state representatives ask for a complete audit of the “Tennessee” Lottery letting the public know exact monies taken in and spent and where.
I’d say their advertising budget would floor us and it’s my opinion that this is “hush money” paid to news outlets so as not ask questions.
Then the Tennessee Legislature needs to redraw the “Tennessee” Lottery bylaws which limits money to pre-K, scholarships, salaries and advertising to include primary education.
I’m sure that not going to happen as I would say some of that money makes its way to campaign funds.
Lord, forgive me for being so skeptical.
Jay Reed
Falling Water
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I would have no qualms about an audit of the Tennessee Lottery. We all want our governmental functions to be as efficient and transparent as possible. However, the Tennessee Education Lottery is not authorized by “bylaws” approved by the legislature. It is authorized by the Constitution of the State of Tennessee in Article XI, Section 5, which was approved by the citizens of our state in a public referendum. The constitutional authorization of that lottery has always been specified to provide financial support for citizens of this state to attend post-secondary institutions while granting that excess funds would be appropriated to k-12 capital projects and early learning and after school programs.
The lottery is serving the purpose for which it was intended by programs like the HOPE Scholarship and assistance for adult students. Article XI, Section 5 further states that, "Such appropriation of funds to support improvements and enhancements for educational programs and purposes and such net proceeds shall be used to supplement, not supplant, non-lottery educational resources for education programs and purposes.”
I can understand Mr Reed’s frustration over education funding in Hamilton County, which is why I suspect that he wrote this letter. However, it may be more appropriate that we demand that the Legislature fully follow Article XI, Section 12 of the Constitution which states in part, "The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools.”
The funding mechanism for K-12 education in Tennessee is broken and the largest counties in the state are penalized. This needs to change.
Wayne Cook