Oklahoma Senate approves bill setting election on lottery issue

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ With no debate, the Oklahoma Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to send the lottery issue to a vote of the people at a special election. <br><br>The action comes one day after

Wednesday, March 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ With no debate, the Oklahoma Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to send the lottery issue to a vote of the people at a special election.

The action comes one day after it took the House about three hours of arguing and explanation to pass a state law proposing a state-run lottery.

Senate Joint Resolution 22, by Senate President Pro Tem Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, calls for a special election on a constitutional amendment for a lottery.

It required a two-thirds majority to pass, or 32 votes in the 48-member Senate, and that was no problem.

Senators voted 37-8 for the resolution, then attached a special election provision by a 35-10 vote.

The vote came after an amendment was approved by Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, that would have the effect of dedicating all the money for public schools.

The measure is expected to wind up in a joint House-Senate conference committee for more work.