At a recent legislative forum, numerous inquiries were made by constituents concerning the monetary contribution that the New Jersey Lottery makes to educational programs here in the state. Additionally, my legislative office has received a significant number of questions on the same issue.
In short, proceeds from the New Jersey Lottery are primarily used to help fund education in New Jersey — and it is a lot of money. In fact, it is one of the most cost-efficient lotteries in the United States.
Just how much money does the lottery contribute? Last year alone, it raised $765 million. Better yet, the amount raised since 1970, the inception of the New Jersey Lottery, until present day is a staggering $13.1 billion. This generous sum of money is widely used to help educate millions of New Jerseyans.
For example, if you are a college student, a senior citizen, a disabled soldier, or a developmentally disabled person (to name a few), chances are the lottery has assisted your educational needs. Perhaps most notable is that the lottery is among the largest revenue producers in the state, which means that it helps to reduce the financial obligation faced by other New Jersey taxpayers in funding educational pursuits.
The main point is that it takes a lot of money to educate our citizens, yet education is by far the greatest investment we can make in our citizens’ lives. In fact, it is the greatest investment that the state can make to ensure that all New Jersey residents are given the necessary tools to lead productive and successful lives.
So when you consider your family’s individual burden in funding public educational programs, consider the positive financial impact that the moneys from the New Jersey Lottery have on the educational advancement of millions of New Jersey residents.
Truth be told, we need the lottery to help reduce the tax burden faced by all New Jersey homeowners, but at the same time, the lottery cannot be the only way to make sure our citizens receive the best education possible.
For more detailed information as to the exact distribution of lottery funds, including individual educational organizations that receive money, visit www.njlottery.net.
Peter J. Barnes Jr.
assemblyman
D-18th District