Bill would protect Mega Millions game

Thursday, January 05, 2006 posted 10:18 AM EST

SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Gene Mullin on Wednesday proposed that the California lottery be allowed to officially participate in the revenue-rich, multistate Mega Millions game -- and that proceeds be used specifically for disadvantaged schools.

Californians have been playing Mega Millions since last summer, but a lawsuit filed in Sacramento County Superior Court by gambling opponents seeks to shut down the game on grounds that the lottery commission's participation violates the state constitution because it was done without legislative approval.

Mullin's legislation, a lottery spokesman said, would resolve that issue and probably allow the game to continue even if a court rules against the state.

The bill requires a two-thirds vote of the Assembly and Senate, the governor's signature and voter approval.

Mullin, D-San Mateo, is proposing that revenue from Mega Millions be destined for school districts that disproportionately serve lower-income students, a break from existing law, which distributes lottery money equally on a per-capita basis across the state.

``The formula,'' Mullin said of his proposal, ``focuses on school districts with high concentrations of students with disabilities, English language learners and low-income students.''

Mullin's bill also directs that colleges and universities receive, at minimum, the same funding allocated in the 2004-05 fiscal year.

Lottery spokesman Michael Doyle said more than $204 million in Mega Millions tickets have been sold since the game started June 22. A Californian won Friday's $88 million payout.

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