State lottery proposal moves forward

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Brad Henry's plan to push a state lottery to a vote of the people by the end of the summer has drawn support from the Legislature's top Democrats. <br><br>Henry says

Thursday, January 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Brad Henry's plan to push a state lottery to a vote of the people by the end of the summer has drawn support from the Legislature's top Democrats.

Henry says the state budget crisis demands action on the lottery at a special election, which would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.

Henry says another possible source of revenue is a compact with Indian tribes on casino gambling. Indian casinos are a 4 (b) billion dollar industry and the state should see a share of the revenues.

Henry has said he opposes a temporary 1-cent sales tax increase proposed by educators, calling sales taxes regressive and the worst tax that can be enacted.

Proceeds from a lottery, if approved would not be available until next year.