Voters Will Decide Fate of New Veterans Lottery Ticket

The General Assembly gave its approval to numerous constitutional amendments that will go before voters this year. This gives Missourians a chance to decide several issues on the Aug. 5, 2014, ballot. With Independence Day approaching, I would like to highlight a measure that aims to help create some extra revenue to fund the needs of veterans across Missouri.

House Joint Resolution 48 would, if approved by voters, direct proceeds from a new Veterans Lottery ticket to the Veterans Commission’s Capital Improvement Trust Fund. The money in the fund is responsible for covering the construction, maintenance, renovation or equipment needs for Missouri’s seven veterans’ homes and cemeteries. Currently, the Veterans Commission runs the nursing homes and serves about 1,300 people across our state.

Right now, all Missouri Lottery funds are strictly used to help fund the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This proposed constitutional amendment would allow our veterans to have their own separate lottery ticket and funds. With state revenues lagging behind and an influx of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, do you think this is a good way to help our veterans? Whether you agree or disagree, make sure you vote.

August 5th – Primary Election Day

November 4th – General Election Day