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Senator disappointed lottery for troops won’t advance

Friday, Feb. 11, 2005 | 9:33 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS -- A top Democratic lawmaker expressed disappointment Thursday that her proposal for a special lottery to support the Indiana National Guard will not get a chance to advance in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Republican Sen. Thomas Wyss of Fort Wayne, chairman of the Homeland Security, Utilities and Public Policy Committee, said he had problems with the bill by Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Bloomington, and would not give it a hearing. Among other things, he said it could set a precedent of the Legislature dictating special lotteries for numerous causes.

Simpson said proceeds from an annual, one-day special lottery to benefit the Guard could be used to supplement arms and equipment for Indiana soldiers.

"The federal government, I think, has failed our troops and this is an opportunity for the state government and the people of Indiana to step up and provide some funding," Simpson said.

The bill would require the lottery to conduct a special ticket sale on Veteran's Day and put the money in a fund to benefit the Indiana National Guard. It could be used to pay for equipment or provide additional death benefits for Guard members killed in the line of duty.

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