A proposal to create a state lottery in North Carolina gained momentum in the legislature last week, raising hopes among advocates that the measure will be more successful than several other such proposals that have been rejected over the last decade.
The House approved the measure to create a state lottery, 61-59. Most of the proceeds would go directly to school districts, with the rest designated for school construction, college scholarships, and a new education fund, according to news reports.
Voters in each county would have to approve a ballot measure to allow lottery sales in their jurisdictions. The state Senate was expected to take up a lottery bill later this month. Gov. Michael F. Easley, a Democrat, first pushed for a lottery in 2000, saying it would raise $200 million a year for school funding.
