Arkansas State Lottery Scholarship Program

Arkansas House Speaker Robbie Wills is trying to pass legislation to use state lottery revenues to create a new scholarship program.  The House Speaker is recommending that the scholarship be for students who earn a minimum GPA of 2.5, and score a 19 or higher on the ACT.

In a nine-page memo sent to House members, Wills offered details on the legislation he said he hopes to file soon establishing the state-run lottery approved by voters last year and the scholarships it’s intended to fund.

Many of the proposals Wills offered have been mentioned by legislative leaders, including creating an Arkansas Lottery Commission to establish and oversee the games. Wills also proposed that the commission would consist of nine members, three each appointed by the governor, House speaker and Senate president.

Many states use lottery revenues to supplement education budgets. The creation of a lottery sponsored scholarship fund would make it necessary to have a state lottery commission to oversee the funding and monies for this program.  There would also have to be a committee to review applications and oversee the distribution of funds.

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