First Public Hearing On Limited Video Lottery Held

The first public meeting for comments on the State Lottery Commission’s rebidding of limited video lottery terminal permits was held today before a select panel appointed by Gov. Joe Manchin.

West Virginia Lottery Director John C. Musgrave chairs this eight-member panel.

Musgrave said, “Limited video lottery contributes a significant amount of revenue to the State, so the importance of this panel in gathering public comments on the issue is an integral part of the rebidding process in 2011. Limited video lottery contributions to the excess Lottery Fund have totaled $906.9 Million since 2002. The money from this fund has provided revenue to support such things as schools, state parks, economic development and higher education including the PROMISE scholarship program.”

Musgrave said, “Since 2002, 26,140 high school graduates have been awarded PROMISE Scholarships from limited video lottery revenue. Of that figure, 22,573 students have accepted the awards to attend West Virginia universities and colleges at a cost of nearly $221.1 Million.”

Both oral and written comments were accepted during the meeting held at the Charleston Town Center Marriott Hotel. Future meetings will be advertised once dates, times and locations have been determined.

Other panel members include Virgil T. Helton, Cabinet Secretary, Dept. of Revenue and Budget Director; James Spears, Cabinet Secretary, Dept. of Military Affairs & Public Safety; Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor, WV Higher Education Policy Board; Lisa Dooley, Executive Director, WV Municipal League; Patty Hamilton, Executive Director, WV Association of Counties; Sheriff Rodney A. Miller, Immediate Past President, WV Sheriff’s Association; and Vivian Parsons, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association.