GEOFF PENDER: Gov. Bryant says he’s open to lottery discussion
Last week as I kicked around the idea of column-izing on the state lottery issue, I requested comments from the state’s three wise men: Gov. Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn.
I felt like I was just going through the motions. But Bryant’s response stunned me.
“I would be open to a general discussion regarding a statewide lottery,” the governor said in a written statement. “However, I would be opposed to this particular revenue being dedicated to specific expenses, such as public education. Our children’s future should not be left to a game of chance.”
This marks the first time in nearly 30 years that a Mississippi governor has said anything about a state lottery that didn’t indicate they’d smack it quickly and hard with their veto stamp.
That seems significant.
Clarion Ledger
10/1/16
