Budget Analyst Doubts Governor's Optimistic Predictions for Lottery Funding for HOPE, Pre-K

By Denis O'Hayer

Atlanta, GA – Last week, Governor Nathan Deal (R-Georgia) told WABE he opposes the idea of introducing new video lottery games as a way of boosting revenue to the lottery system, which funds the state's HOPE scholarship and pre-kindergarten programs. HOPE and pre-K have cut benefits, because their revenue has not met demand. The Governor worries video lottery games would be played in casino settings. He predicted lottery revenues will rebound with the economy. Alan Essig of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, isn't so sure about that. He spoke with WABE's Denis O'Hayer.