Dayton Praises State Lottery Despite Lawmakers Concern
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – As lawmakers are trying to make changes to the state's lottery, Gov. Mark Dayton is celebrating it.
At a news conference Friday morning, the Governor said the lottery has generated $2.4 billion for public projects since its inception 25 years ago.
He also addressed legislative efforts to abolish the online lottery.
Dayton believes the lottery's biggest prize yet has been creating a better state.
But, lawmakers think something that would be even better for the state is getting rid of online lottery sales; something they pushed last year that ended with overwhelming votes in favor.
The bill was eventually vetoed by the governor.
Lawmakers have voiced concern over making gambling too convenient and outrage over the lottery's decision to introduce new platforms without their consent.
In addition to the Internet, that also includes ticket sales through gas pumps and ATMs.
A bill that would ban those transactions made it through the Senate Government Operations Committee Monday and is now headed to the Senate Finance committee.
Friday, Dayton said the state is running a legitimate lottery that is generating money for the state general fund, healthcare and education.
He said if the same bill comes across his desk--- as it was last year without any changes --- it will be vetoed again this year.
Dayton added that he's in the process of setting up meetings for next week to meet with lawmakers to talk about the issue.