Time is running out on a bid to privatize the Pennsylvania lottery.
Camelot Global Services winning bid expires December 31. Now the race is on, to see if an extension will be granted.
The state says it is interested in maintaining a lottery program that benefits older Pennsylvanians as well as protects and grows lottery funding.
However, not everyone is convinced that privatizing lottery will maintain that.
“We have a singular bidder in privatizing of a major program that benefits millions of Pennsylvanias,” stated Jack Wagner. “There needs to be more information made available to the people.”
Pennsylvania's Auditor General Jack Wagner says not only are the details associated with privatizing the lottery still unclear, he says it's concerning that there was only one bidder in the process to take the lottery private.
At the center of the issue right now, a December 31 deadline. Camelot Global Services won the winning bid and also the only bid to take the lottery private.
Currently the Governor is waiting for the lottery employees' union to present an alternative plan for privatization, a requirement per the union contract.
“A far greater need is for more information to come forth before we privatize a program of this magnitude in Pa.,” Wagner added.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released this statement; “We are optimistic we'll be able to mutually agree to extend the bid sometime into January.”
Bid extension would provide time for the union representing lottery employees to present the Commonwealth its counter-proposal for consideration and would allow us to continue to answer as many questions about this process.
Pennsylvania Senator Mike Brubaker agrees that more questions need to be answered. He's called a special hearing on the issue which will be held in January.
“We want a balanced approach of whether it's a good idea or not,” Brubaker told CBS 21. “And a good idea for PA to move forward with privatization of lottery. Object to reduce the cost of the lottery to increase revenue and provide senior services and we want to prove that.”
Senator Brubaker says questions like whether all the money raised will still go to Pennsylvania seniors or will it be used for other things like reducing the state's debt will also need answer.
Camelot Global Services winning bid expires December 31. Now the race is on, to see if an extension will be granted.
The state says it is interested in maintaining a lottery program that benefits older Pennsylvanians as well as protects and grows lottery funding.
However, not everyone is convinced that privatizing lottery will maintain that.
“We have a singular bidder in privatizing of a major program that benefits millions of Pennsylvanias,” stated Jack Wagner. “There needs to be more information made available to the people.”
Pennsylvania's Auditor General Jack Wagner says not only are the details associated with privatizing the lottery still unclear, he says it's concerning that there was only one bidder in the process to take the lottery private.
At the center of the issue right now, a December 31 deadline. Camelot Global Services won the winning bid and also the only bid to take the lottery private.
Currently the Governor is waiting for the lottery employees' union to present an alternative plan for privatization, a requirement per the union contract.
“A far greater need is for more information to come forth before we privatize a program of this magnitude in Pa.,” Wagner added.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released this statement; “We are optimistic we'll be able to mutually agree to extend the bid sometime into January.”
Bid extension would provide time for the union representing lottery employees to present the Commonwealth its counter-proposal for consideration and would allow us to continue to answer as many questions about this process.
Pennsylvania Senator Mike Brubaker agrees that more questions need to be answered. He's called a special hearing on the issue which will be held in January.
“We want a balanced approach of whether it's a good idea or not,” Brubaker told CBS 21. “And a good idea for PA to move forward with privatization of lottery. Object to reduce the cost of the lottery to increase revenue and provide senior services and we want to prove that.”
Senator Brubaker says questions like whether all the money raised will still go to Pennsylvania seniors or will it be used for other things like reducing the state's debt will also need answer.