Tennessee Eyes Next Step Toward Lottery

By Joetta L. Sack

A first-ever state lottery in Tennessee would likely send more students to college, but many questions remain about what—if any—benefits K-12 schools might see.

On Nov. 5, voters easily passed a referendum that amends the state constitution to give the legislature the go-ahead to create a state lottery. Many educators are hopeful such a move will help improve funding for schools, after years of taking budget cuts as part of the state's overall fiscal crisis. ( "Tenn. Budget Crisis Is Lawmakers' Pet Project," June 19, 2002.)

Some conservatives and religious groups fervently opposed the referendum and still hope to...