Why didn't Lottery money aid schools?

A few years back, many small business owners, gas stations and convenience stores were contacted with a program that would, we were told, solve the school funding problem, which had been long standing.

The anticipated solution was the inception of a gambling program called the Lottery.

People who are addicted to gambling could gamble at places where they frequent most often, and with only a few simple games, it was easy and the proceeds would benefit school programs.

Well, years have passed, the games have multiplied, moneys you can't even comprehend, yet now school problems still exist and are much worse.

At the time of the inception of the Lottery, I was a gas station lessee who signed up for this "great" program and at one time needed assistance.

Upon contacting the Lottery office, I was told that my representative was on vacation for three weeks. This program was relatively new and already individuals were benefiting other than the schools.

It's time that the news media and our fabulous local politicians direct their attention to previous promises and the administration of the Lottery program that was meant to solve our school programs.

However, it appears that it is simpler for our politicians to start recommending tax increases or even suggest that students, who need education, skip school for protesting. (What a brilliant solution. You have to be kidding me.)

I guess we really can't be concerned about the hard-pressed constituents at this time; what's a few more tax increases.

Jim Wintercorn

Prospect Heights