LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Senate has unanimously supported legislation abolishing the independent commission running the state's lottery and putting the games under the governor's control.
By a 34-0 vote, the Senate approved a bill that would put the lottery under the state Department of Finance and Administration and abolish the nine-member commission appointed by the governor and legislative leaders.
Republican Sen. Jimmy Hickey of Texarkana said the move will save money and improve the finances of the lottery, which has suffered from sluggish ticket sales.
Voters approved the lottery in 2008 to raise money for college scholarships, with ticket sales beginning the next year. Hickey's proposal would make the lottery's director a gubernatorial appointee.
The measure now heads to the House.
