Gov. Easley's Response To Lottery Vote

The following is a statement from Gov. Mike Easley on Tuesday's defeat of the lottery referendum legislation:

"It is unbelievable that the legislature would deny the people of this state the right to vote on a lottery. This means that legislators have to cut an additional $70 million out of the state budget at a time when we are trying to meet the demands of a growing school-age population. I commend those members who did vote in favor of an education lottery and demonstrated that they are realistic about the budgetary and education challenges facing our state. I hope that those members who voted against the bill will now offer an alternative solution since they have refused to offer any viable solution for the past two years."