Nixon orders probe to make sure lottery money going to education

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon Wednesday announced that he has ordered the Office of Administration to conduct a comprehensive review of the Missouri Lottery’s operations to assess its ability to carry out its voter-approved mandate to provide a stable funding source for public schools.

“For more than two decades, Missourians have counted on the lottery to help provide the resources our schools need to deliver the high quality education our kids deserve,” Gov. Nixon said. “Today, we have a responsibility to make sure the lottery keeps its promise to our public schools in an efficient and effective manner. This comprehensive review will help ensure the Missouri Lottery continues to fulfill its mission of providing a stable funding source for Missouri schools now and for years to come.”

In 1992, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment under which Missouri Lottery revenues are earmarked solely for public education. In Fiscal Year 2014, the percent of lottery revenues going to education dropped to 23 percent, its lowest point in at least a decade, while lottery ticket sales continued to increase.