Governor Brad Henry touts benefits of state lottery

<br>(Midwest City-AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says it's important for Oklahomans to see that the state lottery he has proposed is based on the premise it creates funding for education. <br><br>Henry

Thursday, March 25th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Midwest City-AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says it's important for Oklahomans to see that the state lottery he has proposed is based on the premise it creates funding for education.

Henry touted the lottery proposal Thursday at a forum in Midwest City.

The governor says education funding is critical to the progress and future of Oklahoma.

The issue will appear on November's general election ballot in two questions asking if the state should create a lottery and a ``lockbox'' to ensure the funds are used for education.

Henry says as much as $300-million per year could be raised through the lottery for education.

A coalition of business and political leaders and the faith community has already begun efforts to stop the lottery and any other expansion of gaming in the state.