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Lottery marketing spike draws objections; appropriation motion fails 3–3
Summary
Vice Chair Bridges and others objected to an $18 million marketing increase in the State Lottery budget, arguing the funds should go to the purposes lottery proceeds support; the committee’s motion to approve the lottery appropriation failed on a 3–3 vote.
The committee debated a substantial increase in the State Lottery Division’s marketing and communications budget (cited by members as roughly $18 million). Vice Chair Bridges argued that the funds should instead support the statutory purposes of lottery proceeds such as parks, trails, and wildlife habitat. "$18,000,000 that could go towards something else," Bridges said.
Opponents of cutting marketing noted the legislature approved the funding last year and that some costs may already have been spent or committed to vendors; members also raised concerns about new retail and online sales mechanisms that could increase gambling access. The motion to approve the base appropriation and line‑item detail for the State Lottery Division failed on a 3–3 vote, with Bridges, Amabile and Brown objecting.
Members suggested follow‑up legislative options and asked staff to coordinate with the department on how marketing dollars are being spent and whether changes are warranted.
