I was recently listening to a report on Maine Public Radio regarding a proposal for state budget reform. It has been suggested that we sell our future state lottery profits to investors who, in turn, will remunerate the state $250 million in an up-front payout.

This proposal causes me great concern. Reporter Fred Bever interviewed David Bowles of Sanford, the House minority leader. Bowles stated that he did not favor the “financial mechanism” proposal because, in his words, we would be “mortgaging our children’s future.”

I agree with Rep. Bowles’ comments, but I would take it one step further. We should not only be concerned for our children’s future but their present living conditions as well. I appreciated former Gov. Angus King’s desire to do away with financing our state through the lottery system. For too many, gambling is an addiction, based upon the empty dream “just imagine.” Many buy tickets that they really cannot afford.

One example from our own state is that of Washington County, which by many is considered our poorest county, yet has the highest percentage of lottery players.

If this proposal is adopted, we will be locked into the lottery system for at least another 10 years.

We must stop gambling with lives. For every winner, there are so many who lose, especially our children.

Pastor Nate Colson,

Turner Village Church, Turner

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