Governor Brad Henry reacts to lottery vote

Governor Brad Henry pushed for an education lottery during his campaign. <br><br>He's made it the centerpiece of his plan to raise new revenue for financially strapped public schools. <br><br>Despite

Wednesday, March 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Governor Brad Henry pushed for an education lottery during his campaign.

He's made it the centerpiece of his plan to raise new revenue for financially strapped public schools.

Despite the victory in the state House, Henry says the fight is far from over. "I need the people of Oklahoma to continue to do what they've been doing for the past week or so and that is contacting your legislators in this case your Senators and let them know by telephone or letter or e-mail that you want the right to vote on an education lottery."

Henry says a statewide lottery will raise up to $300-million a year for education. It will help fill cuts caused by a $677-million statewide budget shortfall.

Itâ€™s not known when the state Senate will begin working on the bill, but the Governor says he hopes to push it through quickly.