In an effort to help inform voters before they go to the polls for the November General Election, KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News is presenting a series of stories to explain the three issues Arkansas voters will find on the ballot. Information for these stories has been provided by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension and a link to their website can be found here.
In Tuesday’s story, we highlight Issue 1 which, by popular name, is a constitutional amendment to provide that lottery proceeds may be used to fund or provide scholarships to Arkansas citizens enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes.
Basically, legislators are asking voters to expand the types of educational institutions that qualify for state lottery scholarships. Currently, lottery scholarships can be used at private and public non-profit two and four-year colleges and universities in Arkansas. Issue 1 would also allow students to use lottery scholarships at private and public vocational-technical schools and technical institutes.
During the 2023 fiscal year, lottery sales raised $114.7 million for college scholarships in the state.
Constitutional amendments require the approval of a majority of voters in a statewide election.
Supporters say it’s time to open up the lottery scholarship to its original intent to also include vocational education.
There has been no organized or publicized opposition to this amendment.
If passed, the changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
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