New Texas Lottery Game to Benefit Veterans

Posted on May 21st, 2009

It is no secret that many veterans programs are underfunded and that our veterans may not be receiving the quality of care and services that they fought so hard for. Generations of veterans have fought and died to preserve the liberties and standard of living we all enjoy as Americans. Despite their sacrifices many veterans find it hard to access services such as health care. One state is using their state lottery to help fill the funding gap.

In Texas a lottery scratch off game to raise money for veteran’s assistance programs passed the house in the closing days of the 2009 legislative session. The bill passed the house with one minute to spare during a nighttime session. Rep. Chris Turner, D-Burleson who sponsored the bill stated, “It’s just a huge victory for veterans. Fortunately, we got to it just in time.”

One Republican questioned using lottery funds for purposes other than education but did not try to block the bill. In 2007 the Texas legislature created the Permanent Fund for Veterans Assistance and funds from the new lottery game would be channeled into this fund. The new scratch off lottery game is expected to generate $14 million dollars in the next two years. The scratch off Texas lottery tickets will sell for $1 to$2 dollars and would feature a veterans theme designed by the Texas Lottery commission.

Some expect the bill to have trouble in the senate and Senator Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio said at a news conference that the bill has “has problems in the Senate” due to anti gambling zealots. John Miterko a Viet Nam vet and the leader of the 400,000 strong Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations said leaders are encouraging their members to contact their respective legislators to urge passage of the bill.

The proceeds of the lottery revenue would be used for job placement, nursing care, scholarship programs for veterans’ children, family counseling and help with post-traumatic stress disorders. Hopefully the Texas senate will step up to the plate and show their gratitude and appreciation for our veterans who were willing to put their life on the line for all of us.

In the UK the lottery sponsors trips by veterans to former battlefields. In addition the national lottery allows the sale of online lottery tickets. Players can log on to the lottery website and make an online lottery purchase from a home computer or mobile device. Allowing the sale of online lottery tickets could easily boost revenues for veterans programs.