[johncronejr]

I have lived in Arkansas for al of my almost 43 years. I love the state, I have seen others as beautiful but none more beautiful. We have great people and a great climate.

One thing that does puzzle me is why we dont have a lottery. We could raise so much money with a lottery. I uderstand that many feel it would hurt the poor, but my opinion is that those who would waste their kids lunch money on scratch offs are already wasting their kids money on something.

Imagine the influx of cash for education and variou other programs that a lottery would bring.

What is your opinion? Yea or nay and why?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by johncronejr

I have lived in Arkansas for al of my almost 43 years. I love the state, I have seen others as beautiful but none more beautiful. We have great people and a great climate.

One thing that does puzzle me is why we dont have a lottery. We could raise so much money with a lottery. I uderstand that many feel it would hurt the poor, but my opinion is that those who would waste their kids lunch money on scratch offs are already wasting their kids money on something.

Imagine the influx of cash for education and variou other programs that a lottery would bring.

What is your opinion? Yea or nay and why?

Well it up to you, me and the rest of us to vote for or against the lottery on November 4th...I will be voting yea.

Nita

[johncronejr]

I agree. besides the obvious financial advantages of a lottery for the state I would love the weekly opportunity to become a multi-milionaire

[J Arp]

I would like to see a lottery as well. No more trips to Missouri to play their lotto! Keep some of that cash in our own state.

I agree with the comment johncronejr made about kids' lunch money. Now they'll just be purchasing cheaper beer and smokes to budget for a lotto ticket.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by J Arp

I would like to see a lottery as well. No more trips to Missouri to play their lotto!

Heh...I'd still play MO lotto when going for liquor & tobacco.

Yes, I'd like to see an AR lottery.

Voters will tell.

However, I don't know how many of ya have followed the Sharp County wet/dry issue, but it shows what people with more money than sense can do.

Even though the citizens of the county want to go wet, and got the signatures, it got killed in court during a long line of challenges from two people until they got one that stuck.

Won't be on the ballot this year.

[nmnita]

The biggest reason, like J Arp said, no more trips to MO to buy lottery tickets. WHy should we give our money to neighborhood states, this holds true with booze as well. think of the sales tax we are giving to other states? If you want to gamble, drink, smoke, whatever you will find a way.

Nita

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by nmnita

The biggest reason, like J Arp said, no more trips to MO to buy lottery tickets. WHy should we give our money to neighborhood states, this holds true with booze as well. think of the sales tax we are giving to other states? If you want to gamble, drink, smoke, whatever you will find a way.

Nita

True, but MO taxes are way below Arkansas, and you can it and watch Arkansas plates pull in all day long.

I agree with you on giving other states the tax, nita, but would you pay $350 for something here, or drive 40 miles to pay $250?

I'm as faithful to the state as anyone, but fair is fair.

Besides, where I'm at, I'd have to go to Baxter County to find a liquor store in-state, and that's *80* miles.

That dog don't hunt.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by RogMar

True, but MO taxes are way below Arkansas, and you can it and watch Arkansas plates pull in all day long.

I agree with you on giving other states the tax, nita, but would you pay $350 for something here, or drive 40 miles to pay $250?

I'm as faithful to the state as anyone, but fair is fair.

Besides, where I'm at, I'd have to go to Baxter County to find a liquor store in-state, and that's *80* miles.

That dog don't hunt.

oh my, I agree with you 110%. I do buy most of our groceries here cause I happen to like one of our small, local grocery store and think Wal-Mart is out of line, particularly in meat and produce, staples, still the best bet. Liquor, smokes (yes, I still have the horrible habit) and gas always comes from MO, as well as lots of other things.

Nita

[PurpleLove08]

I support the lottery but I'm not necessarily sure it will get more people to complete college.
I think all scholarships should come with stipulations.
I think if students can meet x requirements, the state should fund their college education. If the student finds they cannot or WILL NOT finish college, they have to pay the state back.
I think this would help more people who cannot afford college get into college and actually finish their degree.
We rank 50th in the percentage of people who have a college degree and there are also a number of people who earn degrees and leave the state (I plan to leave once I get my degree).

We also need to use the lottery money to try to attract businesses so our graduates can have some place to work. What good is the investment if people won't stay here to work?

I would rather the lottery money be spent in three ways:1) Raise teacher pay
2)Fund college scholarships
3) Use money to attract new industries (renewable energy companies rather than dirty coal plants and companies that will be around in 20+ years, not companies who will only bring temporary employment and will leave once the incentive for them to stay ($$) leaves)

[Bail_Khan]

We might as well have on in Fort Smith anyways. We also have a casino about 50 feet outside of city limits. Of course the money only flows one way. Good ol Fort Smith always ready to pounce on oppurtinity and improve the lives of it's people.