Lottery proceeds should benefit senior citizens

By: - June 17, 2005 4:57 am

Letters to the Editor 9/17

We need a state lottery in North Carolina and have the proceeds go to senior citizens. It is my observation that the senior citizens will buy a multitude of tickets.
If one goes to Cherokee, Dover Downs, Del., and/or Atlantic City, N.J., the majority of people doing the gambling are seniors. Why not let the seniors help the seniors?

In the June issue of the AARP Bulletin, there is an article that states this choice is "Just The Ticket." It states that when Pennsylvania established its state lottery, all of its proceeds were to go to programs for older residents.

Over the years, the lottery has generated more than $14.6 billion for programs that benefit Pennsylvania’s older citizens. That includes property tax and rent rebates, neighborhood senior centers, free and reduced-rate public transportation, and "one of the best prescription drug benefits around."

Why not give it a try for North Carolina seniors?

JOE DIXON

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Chris Fitzsimon

Chris Fitzsimon, Founder and Executive Director of N.C. Policy Watch, writes the Fitzsimon File, delivers a radio commentary broadcast on WRAL-FM and hosts "News and Views," a weekly radio news magazine that airs on multiple stations across North Carolina. [email protected] 919-861-2066

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