Ga. Enters Struggle Over Lottery Funding for Schools

By Lonnie Harp

Georgia lawmakers and Gov. Zell Miller are the latest state officials to take up a challenge that has foiled many policymakers in recent years--finding a way to channel state-lottery proceeds to the schools without either supplanting current funding or misleading voters.

Georgia voters this fall will consider a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing a lottery supporting education programs. Betting that the referendum is a sure winner, state officials this week are sot to grapple with the question of how to divide the estimated $250 million a year in proceeds.

As the lottery debate gains momentum in the Peach State, it has also become a focal point in at least...