Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission advocates for Senate Bill 1988 to abolish Lottery Commission

The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss significant legislative matters, notably Senate Bill 1988, which seeks to abolish the Texas Lottery Commission. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including John Wetzler, the director of public policy for the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, who expressed strong support for the bill.

Wetzler highlighted the detrimental impact of the Texas Lottery on vulnerable populations, stating that many churches are on the front lines assisting individuals facing financial crises exacerbated by lottery participation. He argued that the lottery undermines Texas values by promoting a culture of luck over hard work, contradicting the state's message of economic opportunity. Wetzler emphasized that the lottery has not improved the lives of Texans over its 33-year existence and called for its abolition.

During the meeting, committee members questioned Sergio Ray, the acting Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission, about the agency's integrity and past operational issues. Ray, who joined the commission in October 2023, defended the agency's commitment to honesty and compliance with the law. However, concerns were raised about a culture within the commission that allowed for rule changes contrary to legal standards without sufficient oversight or whistleblower action.

The discussions underscored a growing sentiment among lawmakers and community leaders that the Texas Lottery may not align with the state's economic and ethical principles. The committee's deliberations on Senate Bill 1988 could lead to significant changes in how gambling is regulated in Texas, reflecting broader concerns about the social implications of state-sponsored gambling. The next steps will involve further examination of the bill and its potential impact on Texas communities.