Lawmakers approve lottery start-up funds

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The House approves 500-thousand dollars in start-up money to fund Oklahoma's new statewide lottery. <br/><br/>The approval came yesterday despite opposition from lawmakers who say

Thursday, March 31st 2005, 5:40 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The House approves 500-thousand dollars in start-up money to fund Oklahoma's new statewide lottery.

The approval came yesterday despite opposition from lawmakers who say the Lottery Commission did nothing to raise start-up money on its own.

The bill passed 65-to-31 and now goes to Governor Brad Henry for his signature.

A spokesman for the governor says the money was needed so the lottery could get off the ground quickly. Administration officials want the lottery operating by October. About 62 (M) million dollars in lottery revenue is included in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2006, which starts July 1st.

Opponents like Republican Representative John Wright say state law allows the commission to issue up to ten (M) million dollars in bonds for start-up money, but no bonds were issued.