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By the year 2025 there will be a shortage of nurses of 500,000 and doctors by 200,000 in the nation. The average costs of college and medical school is way above $139,000 plus and climbing. I don't care what one believes, our children in Alabama needs a chance to be able to go to college and not be in debt up to their elbows. We can no longer let other states take away from us what belongs to us. Keep our children here at home, we will need them one day as we get older.
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If Tenn got $1.00 more than they would have gotten other wise then the lottery is worth it...
I travel Tenn, Alabama, La, Miss and Pan Handle...being in the business I am in, I get to see inside of the school buildings and board of educations...I also get to deal a lot of city and county officials..
I have seen an approval in not only the schools, but also in the amount of funds they have to improve the roads, etc...

Tenn Lottery

Miss Lottery ALABAMA Georgia Lottery

Florida Lottery

As ususal the State Of Alabama Citizens are the last one to fiqure it out...


The Lottery is not working in those states you say...
Well! usually if something is not working you get rid of it don't you...?
Which of those above surrounding states have voted to do away with the lottery?

Seen any Alabama Car Tags at the surrounding states Lottery places?

Not having the Lottery in ALABAMA does not stop the Alabama Citizen who wants to participate in the Lottery from buying Lottery tickets...it only gives the money spent on the Lottery to the sister states...

What kind of logical reasoning is that? It reminds me of the Colbert County Citizens voting down the Sunday Liquor sales, when the adjoining county does everything they can to assist their food establishments in being successful...
Ever wonder why all of the big chain restrauants are being built in Florence...?

ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
You know, Georgia is the only state that seems to be making lottery/gambling work for education. Mississippi's educational system is hit and miss, with the state as a whole battling for the bottom right along with AL, AR, and LA. They have gambling. The funding sitch there is terrible. IMO it comes down to government choices. As it stands right now I'm just not certain that AL has the government leadership that will allow a lottery, or anything else, to better education. If they aren't spending wisely now giving them more money to work with will not necessarily help the problem. Many times gambling money never makes it to the schools.
Schools in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were better than Alabama's before the lottery. Mississippi's schools have improved, but I think that's because their economy is doing better by having casinos.

I voted for the lottery in Tennessee, but since then I've changed my mind. It's pretty much a voluntary tax on the poor so that kids who were going to go to college anyway can go for free.

There are a lot of college students who have the means to pay for college using the scholarship money. I have no problem with kids looking for cheaper ways to go to school. I do have a problem with a scholarship funded by the poor.

Plus, the lottery is extremely wasteful. It's a huge government bureaucracy that spends money like it's going out of style. Lottery commercials are some of the most annoying on the radio.

If you trust your state government enough to handle billions of dollars in lottery funds responsibly, then the lottery could be beneficial. If you don't trust your state government, then you might want to re-think the lottery idea.
Like I've posted on a previous thread. We really appreciate your help in Tennessee.

Without Alabama's support, there might be a few kids who didn't get college money. It doesn't cover the full cost, but isn't $500 dollars a semester worth something??!

To me, if a kid gets enough money just to buy books. That is more than I am able to donate to them or maybe their family can provide.

My younger sister will be moving to Tennessee and it is perfect timing. She will attend high school all 4 years in the state and if she keeps an A average will get a decent scholarship (won't be a problem). It may not cover everything, but it could help her in choosing what school to attend. It also must be used on state schools and not private institutions.

Regardless of the flack that the TN lottery has gotten, I'd say the state is still better off than pre-lottery. They are working on legislation right now that would assist retaining kids who are apart of the lottery program. The biggest problem they have had is kids have not been meeting the grade requirements, and as a result are not able to receive the money for additional semesters therefore resulting in a higher drop out rate than expected.

They are discussing what is the best rate to lower the GPA. And it seems that a high B will eventually pass. A lot of kids were borderline and lost the scholarship, which in my eyes a high B is an awesome grade. Especially for an underprivledged child with not the best high scohol background.

I'm just laughing at the hysterics Alabama goes into when "lottery" is mentioned, but people sneak into stores hoping no one sees them. It's so funny and even if it helps a handful of children attend college, then it is working. (2 of my cousins are going to college on lottery scholarships. One is graduating this May. One will graduate in 2 years.) They could not have gone to college without it since they are so close in age and my uncle lost his job due to OUTSOURCING.

My sister also would not be able to go to a 4 year and would probably have to settle for community college. She may be able to attend a great 4 year college now if she keeps her grades up and stays active in her pursuit of education.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
Mississippi's schools have improved, but I think that's because their economy is doing better by having casinos.

Just came from there and improvement has NOTHING to do with casinos. The only people who benefit from the casinos are those living within proximity. Teacher pay is pathetic. Supply money is a joke. $125-150 for the year and I was in a top system. The state as a whole hovers at the bottom...47-50 depending on what list you look at. The economy is falling apart in some areas. Take a look at the Delta some time. You have a few good systems in the state, true...but it has nothing to do with casino money.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
If you trust your state government enough to handle billions of dollars in lottery funds responsibly, then the lottery could be beneficial. If you don't trust your state government, then you might want to re-think the lottery idea.

Totally agree here. It comes down to wise use of funds.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
Schools in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were better than Alabama's before the lottery. Mississippi's schools have improved, but I think that's because their economy is doing better by having casinos.

I voted for the lottery in Tennessee, but since then I've changed my mind. It's pretty much a voluntary tax on the poor so that kids who were going to go to college anyway can go for free.

There are a lot of college students who have the means to pay for college using the scholarship money. I have no problem with kids looking for cheaper ways to go to school. I do have a problem with a scholarship funded by the poor.

Plus, the lottery is extremely wasteful. It's a huge government bureaucracy that spends money like it's going out of style. Lottery commercials are some of the most annoying on the radio.

If you trust your state government enough to handle billions of dollars in lottery funds responsibly, then the lottery could be beneficial. If you don't trust your state government, then you might want to re-think the lottery idea.


A voluntary tax? Odd concept. Poor or not people are free to make choices. If people dont have the money to spend - dont do it. They might not have the money to stop and buy a pack of cigs or a Big Mac but people make decisions to buy what they will with their OWN money. That is a stretch to twist the lottery into a tax on the poor. I am very concerned about the poor and underprivelidged in our communities, however I fail to see where spending on the lottery is different than spending on anything else that is not a neccesity.

I do not however understand why the lottery would require advertizing. That also stumps me.
quote:
Originally posted by annehr@comcast.net:
I think Tennessee has been disappointed in the amount of funds from the lottery that has gone to education. Promises not kept.


DING, DING, DING!!!! WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!
I don't trust the gov't with the tax dollars I'm forced to give them, why would I trust them with my "net" dollars that I actually have a choice with?
I also buy into the fact that this is a way to tax those in lower tax classifications. How many rich folks you know play the lottery?
If I thought we would get FULL DISCLOSURE from the state gov't on where the lottery money is going then I'd be open....but to just throw more money at them, trusting that they'd do the right thing is beyond the relm of my reliance on gov't.
quote:
Originally posted by SO TIRED OF IGNORANCE:
quote:
Originally posted by allysmom:
I have been "helping out" on weekends at a family members lottery business located on the TN/AL state line for about 2 months now... I can assure you that around 98% of the customers I have dealt with are from Alabama.


I bet I know you.......... Big Grin


hmmmmmmmmm, I bet I know you too..... Wink
quote:
Originally posted by MarianLibrarian:
quote:
I think Tennessee has been disappointed in the amount of funds from the lottery that has gone to education. Promises not kept.


Wrong. Tennessee literally has more money than they know what to do with for education. The big dilemma is whether to spend it on pre-K or higher ed.


Actually, the dilemma remains trusting the gov't, on any level, with our money. Look at the irresponsible spending from our state gov't(AL) this past year and tell me if you really want to give them more of your money.
quote:
Originally posted by Peter Rielly:
quote:
Originally posted by MarianLibrarian:
quote:
I think Tennessee has been disappointed in the amount of funds from the lottery that has gone to education. Promises not kept.


Wrong. Tennessee literally has more money than they know what to do with for education. The big dilemma is whether to spend it on pre-K or higher ed.


Actually, the dilemma remains trusting the gov't, on any level, with our money. Look at the irresponsible spending from our state gov't(AL) this past year and tell me if you really want to give them more of your money.


Excellent point and in my opinion the major issue. Could the money be tabed before the process starts (to make sure that the funds go toward education. )?
I just find it so ironic that the Times Daily posts the Tennessee lottery numbers for every drawing. They obviously don't have a HUGE Tennessee audience. So the TD along with the rest of the South knows it is common knowledge that a lot of Alabamians are buying the Tennessee lottery tickets. If a study was done, I bet there would be enough Alabama support by ticket sales (and not by verbal support/opposition) to justify starting a lottery.

Also, I try to honk when I pass a lottery station. Especially the one right across the TN/AL line near Greenhill. It's hilarious watching people jump thinking I'm their preacher.

And most of the cars are nice, so the whole "voluntary tax" thing is a little outdated. And if someone truly couldn't afford a $1.00 ticket, then McDonald's $1.00 menu should also be banned, because you are almost GUARANTEED a heart attack if you purchase that everyday.
quote:
Originally posted by MarianLibrarian:
quote:
I think Tennessee has been disappointed in the amount of funds from the lottery that has gone to education. Promises not kept.


Wrong. Tennessee literally has more money than they know what to do with for education. The big dilemma is whether to spend it on pre-K or higher ed.


How much of that came from the lottery? Is there a website to see those numbers maybe? If they are getting these folks to actually keep their promises, I wish they'd teach other states with the lottery to do the same. Pocket padding is a natural outcome IF you you are dealing with corrupt state govs and/or corruption associated with gambling, lottery, whatever. JMHO
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Hooberbloob:
If you really want to help your children out, then start a educational savings account the day they are born. Can invest as little as 50 bucks/month. If you can't do that then invest 50 bucks every other month or every third month and so on.....

If your pitching the lottery as a good way to blow some money, then I have no problem with that.


Most pro-lottery folks don't want to hear this, Mr. H. I don't understand gambling because I'm a tightwad and I hope(?) wise with money. I have to go to Vegas once a year for a convention. I watched money being wasted & it frustrates me. That money could help people in need, you know? I'm not judging gamblers, before some of you get your feathers ruffled. Adults can choose to spend their money however they see fit, but that is my impression as I watch it in action.
I personally save, but it is fun to start a pool in the office. Only 2-3 bucks (keeps me from buying dreadful soft drinks or snack machine treats) and a possibility of what if. I don't lose my life savings. I decide $3.00 might make for a fun game with my co-workers. It makes for fun lunchtime chat and we have a speadsheet to keep things nice and easy for the mathmatically challenged.

I'll laugh so hard one day if we actually win too. But I would feel like a dunce if THEY won and I was the only one left working. It's Catch 22!

Of course, none of us are actually counting on it. You see most everyone knows you don't have a shot in h***. True gamblers will just spend lottery money on alcohol, or in a poker game with friends, or rolling dice, or on Big Macks, Hookers, Pot, or Pills. It's because they lack self control.)
Joy, the actual term they use is "lottery surplus"--that's where all the money is coming from. As of January the surplus that they are having trouble spending is $460 million. If you google the terms lottery surplus tennessee education you will come up with a lot of articles and opinions about what various people think should be done with the money. Personally, I think it should go toward pre-K education. I do think Tennessee is managing the funds well.
Surpluses of that magnitude cause politicians to drool on their shirts. What AL needs (before the lottery is even in play) is a bulletproof process to keep the greedy hands of politicians out of the money pot. For example, a chartered not-for-profit corporation that controls the lottery money.

But even then, you've got to KNOW that, if the pols know $100M is going to education from the lottery, then they can reduce the amount of tax revenue going that way by a like amount.

When their nostrils catch the scent of that much cash, they can't be trusted.
quote:
Originally posted by DEENALYNNE:
A lottery is the last thing we need in Alabama. If you want to gamble with your precious few dollars go do it. But let us keep our crime rate a little lower and figure out another way to educate our kids. I will never vote to legalize gambling in this state.


They did find another way - raise property taxes.
Because of mind sets like yours, lieing Bob Riley set about to raise property taxes 300%. So far he has (in my personal case) achieved 200% and it goes up every year. Yet, even so, people in Sheffield just last year voted MORE property taxes for "the schools".
While I agree with some of the prior posters that throwing money at education will not solve the problem, money is needed.
Personally, I resent my taxes going up, up, up because some of you don't want a lottery. It is obvious to me that people in Tenn , Ga, and Miss desire better education for their children, especially those who's parents can't afford to send them to higher education. Funny people in Alabama seem to want to remain the most backassward state in the South in this as well as other ways.
Deena, please supply evidence (statistics, studies, etc.) that show that having a lottery (not all types of gambling, just a lottery) causes an increase in crime. "My diddy/preacher/husband said so" is not ample evidence, before you try that. You do realize that a state can have a lottery without legalizing other types of gambling, right?
It comes from the same source as the scaremongering in Florida before the lottery was introduced there. First of all, they extended the lottery to "approval of casino gaming" which was nonsense. In any event, the people who control casino gaming have a vested interest in keeping non-organized, street crime down...it drives away tourists. In Las Vegas forty years ago it was worth your life to commit a street robbery. Don't worry about the cops; worry about Tony Soprano's boys taking you on a ride to the desert.

The lottery doesn't lend itself to enhanced criminal activity; if someone is going to rob a 7-11 they'll do it with or without a lottery. Lottery tickets are simply convenient items of value to steal if you're a particularly stupid crook. The real opportunity for crime occurs at much higher levels, where there is a serious temptation to siphon off money for something other than what the lottery was intended.
quote:
Originally posted by Yo estoy de Russellvilla:
So the TD along with the rest of the South knows it is common knowledge that a lot of Alabamians are buying the Tennessee lottery tickets. If a study was done, I bet there would be enough Alabama support by ticket sales (and not by verbal support/opposition) to justify starting a lottery.



And not just Tennessee. We were in Dothan last weekend, and found that it is quite common for them to go to GA, or FL to get their tickets.

Unfortunately, a "study" was done, and the lottery was voted down.
Since gambling is illegal in Alabama we are all on the fast-track to Heaven. The Church will prevail on this issue...you notice that many voters must cast their vote in a church here in Alabama. That is not, I say again, not a coincidence. The Church in this area has an inordinate amount of political power. Go into a grocery store on Sunday and try to buy some beer.

The Church is opposed to gambling yet they let people get married everyday...go figure.

By the way, how is that war against the Taliban going in Afghanistan?
Reported crime in Tennessee Year Population Crime rate per 100,000 population
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Violent crime
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Violent Crime rate Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate Forcible rape rate Robbery rate Aggravated assault rate

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1960 3,567,089 91.1 8.5 5.4 26.9 50.3
1961 3,615,000 108.2 8.0 6.7 30.4 63.0
1962 3,634,000 103.7 6.1 6.6 34.8 56.1
1963 3,694,000 102.2 6.5 6.7 28.4 60.7
1964 3,798,000 118.6 5.9 8.8 30.2 73.6
1965 3,845,000 138.7 8.0 11.1 28.6 91.1
1966 3,883,000 158.3 7.8 10.8 34.4 105.2
1967 3,892,000 208.4 8.9 12.5 56.5 130.5
1968 3,976,000 220.5 8.7 11.6 71.2 129.0
1969 3,985,000 231.7 9.6 12.7 75.2 134.3
1970 3,924,164 274.9 8.8 15.5 82.0 168.6
1971 3,990,000 313.8 12.4 18.1 86.5 196.8
1972 4,031,000 319.0 11.3 19.9 101.1 186.7
1973 4,126,000 358.0 13.2 26.9 130.5 187.5
1974 4,129,000 386.8 13.4 25.7 157.2 190.4
1975 4,188,000 397.0 11.4 26.1 166.8 192.6
1976 4,214,000 393.3 11.0 25.4 147.5 209.4
1977 4,299,000 389.5 10.1 29.7 145.8 203.9
1978 4,357,000 382.6 9.4 30.6 152.4 190.2
1979 4,380,000 414.0 9.8 34.5 166.1 203.6
1980 4,545,590 458.1 10.8 37.4 180.6 229.4
1981 4,610,000 412.6 9.7 37.6 171.7 193.5
1982 4,651,000 421.1 9.7 35.5 175.7 200.2
1983 4,685,000 402.0 8.8 35.9 172.8 184.6
1984 4,717,000 445.4 8.4 40.0 166.8 230.3
1985 4,762,000 474.4 9.0 42.6 180.9 242.0
1986 4,803,000 539.6 10.4 47.0 207.7 274.5
1987 4,855,000 533.5 9.1 43.9 193.8 286.6
1988 4,919,000 532.7 9.4 44.7 173.6 305.1
1989 4,940,000 548.9 8.4 46.0 160.4 334.1
1990 4,877,185 670.4 10.5 49.5 191.2 419.2
1991 4,953,000 725.9 11.0 46.4 212.9 455.6
1992 5,024,000 746.2 10.4 47.3 218.2 470.3
1993 5,099,000 765.8 10.2 49.9 220.1 485.5
1994 5,175,000 747.9 9.3 49.2 207.4 482.0
1995 5,256,000 771.5 10.6 47.1 223.2 490.5
1996 5,320,000 774.0 9.5 46.5 223.7 494.3
1997 5,368,000 789.7 9.5 56.9 214.0 509.2
1998 5,431,000 715.0 8.5 45.8 178.0 482.8
1999 5,484,000 694.9 7.1 44.0 156.8 487.0
2000 5,689,283 707.2 7.2 38.4 166.4 495.2
2001 5,740,021 745.3 7.4 38.3 178.0 521.6
2002 5,789,796 717.8 7.3 39.6 162.6 508.5
2003 5,845,208 691.3 6.8 36.4 161.0 487.1
2004 5,893,298 697.6 6.1 38.7 150.4 502.5
2005 5,962,959 752.8 7.2 36.4 167.3 541.9
2006 6,038,803 760.2 6.8 35.5 184.3 533.7

Well now, according to the FBI stats, it does look like the crime rate really shot up like a rocket when TN got that EVIL LOTTERY!! NO one can show facts that lotteries cause crime increases.

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