Education Lottery revenues have in many instances supplanted, not supplemented, the States spending
on K-12 and Higher Education. In the former, this has meant Lottery money for basic instructional needs
rather than special programs and teacher training. With Higher Education, this has caused a shell game of
rerouting money through scholarships to pay for higher tuition rather than using General Fund revenues
for reoccurring appropriations. Students and parents across the state are paying for this policy.
Lawmakers need to refocus the Lottery revenues into transparent supplementary projects to ensure
revenue stability for education programs.
By South Carolina Policy Council
Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.