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Protecting the Hope Scholarship from tampering by lawmakers was tops on the agenda today as the House passed H.R. 1002 by a vote of 176 to 0.
This constitutional amendment would bar the use of lottery funds to replace regular education spending and require two thirds majority approval by the General Assembly for any lottery-funded school construction or school technology spending. The fear is lottery money for school construction eventually could supplant general fund money for building schools.
Supporters said this completes the agreement and covenant the General Assembly had with the people of this state regarding the use of the lottery funds.
When the lottery was authorized in 1992 by a referendum the promise was revenue would first be used to fund the Hope Scholarship. Second to fund a Pre-K program and then and only then to fund technology and computer enhancements and a limited amount for fast growing school systems.
It has been felt that it is necessary to put into the constitution what is and is not a proper expenditure of the lottery funds so the Hope Scholarship and the Pre-K program can be safeguarded. Georgia has had a very successful lottery but it has begun to flatten out and there is going to be stresses and strains over the next few years particularly if the economy were to dip.
If passed by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, the citizens of Georgia would have the opportunity to vote this issue up or down on next November's ballot.
The House also passed S.B. 537 today by a vote of 92 to 70. The bill allows any race track, specifically Road Atlanta, that seats over 10,000 in a county that has a population over 58,000 to sell alcohol on Sundays.
Supporters said this would allow Road Atlanta to regulate and control alcohol sales on Sundays. Currently, only coolers with alcohol can be brought on to the premises.
Those opposed said this should be handled locally and that the General Assembly was
overstepping its bounds.
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