"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
We get lots of emails asking about the North Carolina EDUCATION lottery.
Like this one... from Lois Whisnant in Cleveland County.
"When there was such a strong push to get the lottery in NC, it was about education, right? Where is the money going? How much is available? Who is accountable? Could you please enlighten us as to how this money is being spent? Thanks."
Well Lois... we agree it can be confusing. We also think putting the word "EDUCATION" into the lottery's name is misleading. Here's why:
Only 35-percent of lottery earnings go to educational purposes.
Out of that 35-percent, half must go to classroom reduction.
40-percent must go to school construction.
The remaining 10-percent goes to college scholarships.
So the "EDUCATION" lottery... is not set up so the money goes to all areas of EDUCATION.
It's very specific.
In 2007... the most recently confirmed figure we have... 375-million dollars was raised for "EDUCATION" from the lottery. But it had to be used in the categories we already said... for classroom reduction, school construction and scholarships.
Maybe it's time to reallocate how the "EDUCATION" lottery uses its funds.
Think about it... if 375-million was divided by 100 counties... that's an extra 3-point-75 million each county school district could use how it sees fit.
What are your thoughts? Let us know. Email us at Speakout@wbtv.com
