Almost every government school district in the State is broke and in massive deficit. The bigger the district, the bigger the deficit. Years ago, we were told that a government owned and run lottery would solve the problem. Last year almost $10 billion was gambled on the lottery—and government schools got $2.25 billion—less than 25% of the gross raised. Each year, the more we spend on government schools the worse they get and the fewer students show up.
Maybe giving schools less money, not running a gambling enterprise, would be a better idea. If the Lottery run by government—in competition with card clubs, race tracks and casinos is such a good idea—why not others industries. How about a government beer or vodka? We could sell government marijuana or cigarettes.
Government should not run businesses—it can’t run the DMV or the Post Office.
California Lottery generates $2.25 billion for public schools
EdSource, 1/2/25 https://edsource.org/updates/california-lottery-generates-2-25-billion-for-public-schools
The California Lottery raised more than $2.25 billion for the state’s public schools in 2024, bringing to $46 billion the total the lottery has generated for education since its inception in 1985.
This is the third year in a row that the lottery has generated more than $2 billion for education, according to lottery officials. Sales from the recent Mega Millions jackpot alone resulted in an estimated $78.8 million for public schools.
California Lottery sales reached $9.27 billion during fiscal year 2023-24, surpassing the previous sales record of $9.24 billion set the year before.
Lottery funds are discretionary and can be used by school districts to supplement the general fund, attract and retain teachers, fund after-school programs, or other uses.
In 2002 there were 5,496.271 children enrolled in preK through grade 12 in public schools, or at least that is what was reported! Also in 2022 there were 977 public school districts in California. The $2.25 Billion from the lottery for public schools equates to $409 per student for the year or $2,303,000 for each district. What a sham!