tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post6749487437876342859..comments2024-01-21T22:17:21.149-06:00Comments on The Natural State Hawg - ramblings from an Arkie: Arkansas Supreme Court keeps lottery on ballotHawgWyldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749940044190568834noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post-82257718317192684802008-10-18T15:07:00.000-05:002008-10-18T15:07:00.000-05:00I agree with what you wrote, especially the aspect...I agree with what you wrote, especially the aspect that a state lottery is essentially another tax.<BR/><BR/>However, many Arkansans already play the lottery - albeit in another state. They go to Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas and others to play the lottery, instead of that money staying here in Arkansas.<BR/><BR/>So how do we reconcile that? <BR/><BR/>Or can we?Paul Eilershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03443012393151401891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post-3231851391459267202008-10-17T23:55:00.000-05:002008-10-17T23:55:00.000-05:00Da Old Man -- All too true. Another thing that's a...<B>Da Old Man</B> -- All too true. Another thing that's annoyed me is what happened a few years ago when the state had a huge budget surplus. Any attempts to cut taxes and return that cash were met with heavy resistance.<BR/><BR/>The state blew that cash on some nonsense (I can't remember what it was -- I'm a bit Freudian in that regard) and started to worry about revenue when the economy tanked. Typical. The government won't give a thing back once they swipe it -- they just spend it and ask for more.<BR/><BR/><B>lala</B> -- Yes they do. And I'm inclined not to give them any more to waste.<BR/><BR/>It does appear the state is very good at spending to its income then wanting more.HawgWyldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02749940044190568834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post-62632148800652173062008-10-17T13:13:00.000-05:002008-10-17T13:13:00.000-05:00LOL...I understand your point, I do. But every sta...LOL...I understand your point, I do. But every state wastes money. <BR/><BR/>NC even calls theirs "The North Carolina Education Lottery"<BR/><BR/>NC's liquor stores are state run and a portion is split between roads and schools. <BR/><BR/>So between the lottery and liquor sales, NC should have the best roads and schools in the state. <BR/><BR/>They don't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post-36322633020743143602008-10-17T12:44:00.000-05:002008-10-17T12:44:00.000-05:00I'm sure Arkansas is no different than NJ when it ...I'm sure Arkansas is no different than NJ when it cmes to politicians and their ability to squander money. <BR/>In the 1960's, in NJ, we had a referendum to decide whether we should have a sales tax or a state income tax. A 3% sales tax was chosen. In 1969, we chose to have a lottery to aid education.<BR/><BR/>Today, we have a 7% sales tax, and an income tax. We have several lotteries. <BR/>And, the state is near bankrupt with not nearly enough money to fund education. Every dime gets spent, and they come back looking for more.<BR/>I can assure you, your fine state will be looking back at the same scenario. It's the nature of a politician.Da Old Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02529514518271981093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post-72979715622646176632008-10-17T08:49:00.000-05:002008-10-17T08:49:00.000-05:00lala -- Yes, that's one of the issues and a valid ...<B>lala</B> -- Yes, that's one of the issues and a valid one. My primary objections to this, however, remain the fungibility issue and the fact that we're essentially talking about a tax increase that's disguised as something else.<BR/><BR/>Considering how this state winds up with a surplus quite often (and that's after everything from "A" list priority projects to "C" list kinda nice to have projects are paid for), its just not equitable for us to keep paying taxes at the same levels.<BR/><BR/>Now, if they'd couple this proposal with a drop in, say, the state sales tax, I'd be inclined to support it.<BR/><BR/>Regardless, I'm still glad to see that this issue will be presented to the voters. Nothing bugs me more than some little specialist interest group wading in and denying the voters their right to decide issues such as these.<BR/><BR/>I may be against the lottery, but I'm happy to let my fellow Arkansans decide it for themselves.HawgWyldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02749940044190568834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736378642004875114.post-55894317512471636952008-10-17T07:40:00.000-05:002008-10-17T07:40:00.000-05:00Well, one of the issues is however, that Arkansas ...Well, one of the issues is however, that Arkansas is more than likely losing money to surrounding states who have lotteries. Tenn/OK/Missouri (not sure if Texas does). That's one of the reasons why it finally passed in NC because people were driving across all borders to buy tickets and the state finally decided they may as well take the money and use it for themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com