Spitzer speech to include proposed lottery changes Wednesday, January 9, 2008 By Bob Conner (Contact) Gazette Reporter
NEW YORK STATE — Gov. Eliot Spitzer will propose some privatization of the state Lottery in his State of the State address today. The governor will propose the measure as a way to fund improvements in the state and New York City university systems. "We should unlock some of the value of the New York State Lottery, either by taking in private investment or looking at other financing alternatives," the speech reads. "As we do this, we will assure that the state continues to regulate all Lottery games, and that we continue to receive the more than $2 billion annually for K to 12 education that the Lottery now provides." The governor told the Gazette that this will make "no difference" to employees located at the Lottery headquarters in downtown Schenectady. "It's going to be good for the Lottery for a hundred different reasons," Spitzer said. Paul Francis, director of state operations, said, "The 350 existing employees of the Lottery will be totally protected." The state would in essence be leasing the Lottery, Francis said. Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, said he was concerned about preserving the downtown jobs. He also said Spitzer appears to be proposing a "one-shot" method of financing that raises concerns about fiscal responsibility. The governor's speech is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. in the Assembly chamber. He also will propose a $1 billion upstate revitalization fund, and "health care for every child."
Wouldn't it just be hysterical if the Lottery in Schenectady DOES become privatized and then the new company decides to move the operation out of the city to an area with lower taxes????
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Great, privatize the lottery and socialize our medical care.
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
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