Gov. proposes selling Texas lottery By KELLEY SHANNON, Associated Press Writer
Tue Feb 6, 6:57 PM ET



Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday proposed selling the state lottery for at least $14 billion to create an endowment for Texans without health insurance and a trust fund for cancer research.

That money could be used to form a $2.7 billion endowment for the uninsured and to create a $3 billion fund for the fight against cancer, Perry said in his State of the State address.

Both funds would generate ongoing payments, he said.

"This moment in time is a unique opportunity to address great challenges and build the foundation for a future of unparalleled prosperity," the Republican governor said.

No state has sold or leased its lottery, although several are considering it. Last month, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels proposed leasing the state lottery for 30 years to pay for scholarships aimed at keeping Indiana's top college graduates in-state.

In Texas, the lottery reported more than $3.77 billion in sales in the 2006 fiscal year, the highest amount in its 14-year history. The lottery contributes $1 billion per year to public schools.

Several legislative leaders questioned the idea, with some skeptical the lottery would fetch $14 billion and others wondering what it would mean for gambling overall.

"Basically by privatizing the lottery you legalize private-run gambling operations in Texas," said Sen. Steve Ogden, the Republican chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

Perry also outlined proposals for increased tax relief, property tax appraisal relief, higher education, state budgeting transparency and hurricane preparedness. He spent some time complaining about what he said were unfair federal actions or inaction on health care funding, border security and environmental regulations, as well.