Insider Buzz: Sparks fly at N.C. lottery forumThe arguing, at times, seemed personal on a panel which featured everyone from lawmakers to ministers.
At issue -- just how much money is being lost to border states like South Carolina, which has a lottery.
"The state has noticed most sales tax rise in history on things like chips since the lottery came," said panelist Gardner Payne. "We're losing that money to those states."
Last December, North Carolina drivers poured across the border for the $100-million-plus Powerball drawing.
Governor Easley wants to use that money to fund education. But opponents call the lottery "bad government,"saying the state will start depending on profit which are often exaggerated.
"Let me see a show of hands of everyone here who is going to spend $870 dollars a year on lottery tickets to meet estimates," joked panelist Don Carrington.
Some in the audience stood up with concerns, worried the money could be used to cut taxes for big companies. Supporters say they can prdvent that.
On this night, the fighting dventually subsided, following a debate that again seems destined for the state house.
