Saturday, September 1, 2012

Scratch off lotto ticket proposed to fund not-for-profits

From Bayside Patch:

State Sen. Tony Avella is calling on the state to adopt legislation he proposed that would create a new Lottery scratch-off game through which proceeds would be dedicated to a community grant fund.

In the past two years, the executive branch of the state has eliminated discretionary funds to fund local programs in legislators' districts, which has placed the burden on local groups that previously relied on the funding.

Avella, D-Bayside, said he wants the state to raise money for a community grant fund through a Lottery scratch-off game.

"Youth groups, senior centers, cultural organizations and Little Leagues provide essential services and rely on discretionary funding to survive," the senator said. "These groups certainly are not pork. With declining sources of funding, these groups need a dedicated community grant fund. My legislation is an innovative way to provide these groups with the funding they desperately need."

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why not? Isn't gambling the solution to all personal financial problems?

Anonymous said...

Look, you really need people to go after your public servants and demand accountability on how the money is spent.

For example, its nice that Jimmy Van Bramer is going for a book drive for the Queens Library (and getting his usual smug photo ops) but why is his friends on the library board spending millions on cement and concrete while hours are curtailed and programs cut?

Anonymous said...

My favorite is how Peter Vallone 'donated' (yes that is the word used in the papers) his family's legacy to the community, the Variety Club, by 'securing public funds.'

Where I come from, those that benefit from the community should give back to the community....out of their own pockets.

Anonymous said...

Tony needs the money

to fund the mitchell lindon senior center since toby will be booted this year.

Evan and Harry need the commission.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Why not? Isn't gambling the solution to all personal financial problems?

__________________________________________________________________

Wanna bet?

Anonymous said...

Another poor man's tax.

Anonymous said...

It's the North Flushing Senior Center.

And there will always be a political appointee's job for Avella somewhere, even if he loses all elections open to him.

The Queens Democratic clubhouse always rewards their faithful servants.