Causer's Lottery Study Resolution
Approved Unanimously by House
A resolution sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) calling for a comprehensive assessment of the state’s lottery fund and the senior citizen programs it supports has been unanimously approved by the state House.
“The Pennsylvania Lottery pays for some very important programs to help senior citizens with housing, transportation and health care,” Causer said. “My goal with this study is to make sure we have sustainable revenue in place to continue supporting these services.”
Causer noted there has been no comprehensive study of the lottery fund since expanded gaming was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2004. In fact, no such study has been done since 1994.
“We need to know how expanded gaming is affecting the purchase of lottery tickets today and how that is impacting the fund,” Causer said. “We also need to know what to expect in the future as far as lottery fund proceeds and demand for the programs the fund supports.”
House Resolution 106 directs the nonpartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the assessment and indicate whether any changes to law, regulation or policy may be necessary to maintain the future solvency of the fund. The committee is directed to report back to the General Assembly within six months.
The Pennsylvania Lottery was established in 1971 with the specific purpose of funding benefit programs for senior citizens. To date, the lottery has contributed more than $20.6 billion to the following programs:
Property Tax/Rent Rebate.
Free transit and reduced fare shared-ride services.
PACE, PACENET and PACE Plus Medicare.
Long-term living services.
Area Agencies on Aging.
“The Pennsylvania Lottery pays for some very important programs to help senior citizens with housing, transportation and health care,” Causer said. “My goal with this study is to make sure we have sustainable revenue in place to continue supporting these services.”
Causer noted there has been no comprehensive study of the lottery fund since expanded gaming was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2004. In fact, no such study has been done since 1994.
“We need to know how expanded gaming is affecting the purchase of lottery tickets today and how that is impacting the fund,” Causer said. “We also need to know what to expect in the future as far as lottery fund proceeds and demand for the programs the fund supports.”
House Resolution 106 directs the nonpartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the assessment and indicate whether any changes to law, regulation or policy may be necessary to maintain the future solvency of the fund. The committee is directed to report back to the General Assembly within six months.
The Pennsylvania Lottery was established in 1971 with the specific purpose of funding benefit programs for senior citizens. To date, the lottery has contributed more than $20.6 billion to the following programs:
Property Tax/Rent Rebate.
Free transit and reduced fare shared-ride services.
PACE, PACENET and PACE Plus Medicare.
Long-term living services.
Area Agencies on Aging.
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