Proceeds from sales of Missouri Lottery tickets have gone exclusively toward education since 1992. A ballot measure next week would allow veterans to share in some of the take. The proposal on the Aug. 5 ballot calls for establishment of a veterans lottery scratch-off ticket. Net proceeds would go toward improving veterans homes and cemeteries in Missouri. Three states that neighbor Missouri — Kansas, Iowa and Illinois — are already allocating some of their lottery revenue for veterans. Texas and West Virginia are as well.
Rep. Sheila Solon, a Blue Springs Republican, sponsored the measure. She says it could help fund a new veterans home. Opponents say lottery revenue is unpredictable and funding for veterans should come from general revenues.
