Texas House votes to end state lottery

[ashling]

With a surprise vote to end operations of the Texas Lottery Commission, the Texas House on Tuesday jeopardized the existence of the state lottery and all the money it generates.

The House voted 65-81 against a sunset bill to continue the commission, and soon after the vote, some members pondered the implications.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, was worried that if the commission is gone, then the dollars derived from the lottery would be swept away too. Turner asked from the floor if the “no” vote takes away the $2.2 billion out of the appropriations bill that the commission gives to public education.

The initial vote also makes illegal all charitable bingo, including games at churches and veterans’ halls.

For the commission to survive, both the House and the state Senate would have to approve its continuation.

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/texas-house-votes-to-end-state-lottery/nXTxX/

After voting against the bill, state Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, tweeted: “This was nothing more than a tax on the poor.
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isn't that cute, a Republican acting like they care about the poor

[still_one]

1. The real thing with them is they do not want a poor person to have money, regardless legislation of

vice is a waste of money, and in this case money that could help the schools

[Thinkingabout]

2. Just nuts, no other way to explain it, they dont want any taxes but repeal a good to get recenues.

You can't get much nuttier.

[Still Sensible]

3. They reconsidered after lunch...

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Lottery Commission won't be abolished after all.

Undoing a stunning earlier vote that jeopardized the lottery, the House on Tuesday reversed itself and reauthorized the Lottery Commission.

Lawmakers had voted not to reauthorize the commission through September 2025 — potentially costing the state more than $2 billion in lottery revenue.

During a subsequent lunch recess, however, lawmakers were urged to reconsider by party leadership.


http://www.kvue.com/news/politics/House-wont-reauthorize-Texas-Lottery-Commission-204336761.html

[LeftInTX]

4. Good

They seem to be "reactive". A few weeks ago, I think they may have voted for expanded Medicaid, then completely changed their mind a few hours later.

Almost seem to have a "crowd mentality" as if they aren't researching the issues.

[Bolo Boffin]

5. $2.2 billion short for public education that they had to come up with

And something about church bingo, too.

It is an awful tax on the poor, in all but name. Hey, how about a progressive income tax that could replace the lottery? AND the state sales tax? I know, I know, I'm dreaming...

[Gothmog]

6. No True Texan can sleep soundly in their bed while the Texas Legis is in session

My high school civics teacher/debate coach taught me a valuable lesson. No true Texan can sleep soundly in their bed while the Texas legislature is in session

[NoPasaran]

7. I posted this story but deleted it

After the news came that they reconsidered and decided to keep the tax on people who don't understand math after all.

[ashling]

8. That is a pretty lame way of trying to sound superior

just sayin

[lastlib]

9. more importantly, it's accurate.

people who have a decent understanding of the probabilities against them don't waste their money on lotteries. They understand that those games are losing propositions.

If only the governments involved would use the money raised from them to improve math education..............

[ashling]

10. so you admit that you were making a lame attempt

at sounding superior...at least you don't deny it. And based on what seems to be your premise, your conclusions might indeed be accurate - though your accuracy does not account for your smugness.

Your premise assumes that no one who buys a lottery ticket can possibly understand that their chances of winning even a small amount are just the other side of astronomical. It assumes that everyone who plays the lottery thinks they are making an investment in their future.

You might want to consider the fact that some people might do it as an escape - the same way someone else might engage in some other frivolous activity and not as an investment strategy.

Disclaimer: I say these things to a friend - I hope -half tongue in cheek, and not to anger or antagonize - sort of a jovial ribbing. I hope you will take them in the mood they are given.

We are both Texans, and this is is not, after all, GD.

[lastlib]

11. No, I was simply ignoring a stupid argument to make a more important one.

and, BTW, it wasn't my post. And I'm not a texan, so please don't call me one.

Peace & Friendship.

[ashling]

12. Excuse me.

I meant to reply to the other poster, but obviously I was mistaken.

Peace & Friendship.