DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The Minnesota Lottery has hit a major milestone in giving back to Minnesotans.
On Wednesday, officials announced that since 1990, $4 billion has been returned to the state to support environmental and conservation programs, public education, and gambling addiction services.
Officials say in fiscal year 2024 there was a record payout of $196.5 million that was returned to lottery beneficiaries to protect Minnesota’s environment and natural resources and support vital state services.
- General Fund: $101.7 million to support education, public safety, and health and human services.
- Programs for protection and preservation of Minnesota’s environment and natural resources: $93.3 million
- Game and Fish Fund: $20.5 million
- Natural Resources Fund: $22.1 million
- Programs to help prevent and treat problem gambling: $1.5 million
In addition, approximately $50.7 million went to the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund this year.
That fund is on the ballot for Minnesotans next week.
Voters will be asked to renew the allocation and dedication of these funds from Lottery Sales to the Natural Resources fund.
If more people end up voting “no” in November, the conservation funding will expire.
Leaving the question blank has the same effect as a “no” vote, according to the ballot campaign Minnesotans For Our Great Outdoors.
https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2024/10/30/minnesota-lottery-hits-4-billion-return-funds/