Lottery spending debate continues

Friday, December 15, 2006 posted 03:33 AM EST

RALEIGH -- The lottery helps fund school construction but should it help even more?

That's a question lawmakers may take up as a new session begins in late January.

Forty percent of lottery proceeds go to school construction, but there are a growing number of lawmakers who believe that's not enough.

"I hope we make some changes to the lottery funding to put more money to school construction," Rep. Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said. "I certainly hope the lottery is successful at this point but we need to make sure the money is not being used or wasted for other non-educational purposes."

Recent reports show statewide there is at least $10 billion needed over the next five years alone to build new schools. For the most part the state helps very little and the financial burden rests with each county. Lottery funding will account for a small portion of what's needed in school districts.

While there does appear to be significant support to change the formula to help more public school construction, there is one big problem at the capital and that is the governor. It is believed he would veto a bill like that.

Gov. Easley supports the current formula that gives most of the money to class size reduction and early education.

"Lottery funds will certainly help public education in North Carolina, but we need to look at other ways to continue to address the needs of our schools," State Schools Superintendent June Atkinson said.

That means school districts will have to continue looking for creative ways to deal with the growth.

Lawmakers officially head back to work on January 24th. Whoever wins the House speaker race could also have a huge impact on any lottery bills. The speaker essentially decides which bills come up for a vote.

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