For Immediate Release - October 2, 1998

This week I'd like to continue our discussion of the different issues that voters will find on the ballot in November. The list of constitutional amendments is fairly long and many of the issues are ones that voters won't hear much about before they see them at the polls. I hope that this newsletter will provide an informative preview.

Constitutional amendment number eight was placed on the ballot by an act of the legislature. If it passes is would allow religious and charitable institutions to sponsor raffles and sweepstakes and the general assembly would have the responsibility to regulate these activities.

On the surface, this appears to make legal a common practice in many areas where organizations will raise money for a project with a small dollar raffle. Oftentimes these are annual or one-time events which supporters use to contribute to a favorite cause. However, in reality this amendment would do more than clear up a situation where local prosecutors may look the other way on a technically illegal activity.

First, it puts those who sponsor raffles and sweepstakes in a distinct class. In other activities where individuals might risk money in the hopes of financial gain such as riverboat gambling, horse racing, bingo or the lottery, the legislature is required to first give its approval. The wording on this amendment sets up a right to have sweepstakes and raffles that the legislature could only regulate but never eliminate.

Second, it would allow "Any organization recognized as charitable or religious pursuant to federal law" to "sponsor raffles and sweepstakes in which a person risks something of value for a prize." It appears, based on the current definition of "charitable" in state statute, that this could open the door to many not-for-profit groups, even if they were not specifically religious or primarily charitable in nature.

The effects of this constitutional amendment could be far-reaching. It could move raffles and sweepstakes as we now know them out of the realm of small-time fund raisers and into the arena of big business. Where there is an opportunity for profit, there always exists the possibility of abuse.

The recent expansion of riverboat gambling and the lottery into Missouri may have helped to desensitize us and make us more comfortable with a get-rich-quick outlook on life. Our past, and our future as a nation and a state, is based on hard, honest work. For the vast majority of us, the way to really get ahead isn't by buying a lottery ticket, a raffle ticket or by frequenting the riverboats. Our collective future must be built on the productivity of our citizens and on the work ethic instilled in us by the generations which preceded us.

If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or any other issue involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. The address is Senator Larry Rohrbach, State Capitol, Room 433, Jefferson City, MO 65101. The phone number is (573) 751-2780. My e-mail address is lrohrbac@services.state.mo.us. Keep in touch!