The state Attorney General is continuing a review of a contract that would turn over management of the Pennsylvania Lottery to a British firm.
Meanwhile the Aging Secretary is selling the idea to recipients of lottery proceeds, older Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania has the fourth largest senior population in the nation. The majority of the state-provided benefits they receive are paid for by lottery proceeds.
Now a private management firm says it can raise more money for them.
Two dozen seniors gathered at Rutherford House in suburban Harrisburg to meet the Secretary of Aging. Secretary Brian Duke has become quite visible selling the idea of a private manager of the Lottery.
The idea is to raise more money for programs for older Pennsylvanians.
"I would support that,” commented Karen Lester of Harrisburg. “If it's going to take away programs that we have i don't think it would be a good idea."
"I enjoy all the senior citizen centers they provide for,” Sarah Rappolt added. “We have all sorts of activities that we do, that are really good for us."
Secretary Duke said expansion of services requires the privatization of the lottery operation.
“The dollars the new revenues, enhanced revenues that will come out of the private management agreement will be dedicated to home and community-based services for older Pennsylvanians reflected by the $50 million allotment you see in the governor's proposed budget," explained Secretary of Aging Brian Duke.
$20 million dollars would fund in-home personal care services and home-delivered meals. It will also support elder abuse investigations and improvements to senior centers.
Whether the additional $50 million dollars will be contained in next year's budget is now in the hands of the state Attorney General. If she approves it, the contract will become effective.
Meanwhile the Aging Secretary is selling the idea to recipients of lottery proceeds, older Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania has the fourth largest senior population in the nation. The majority of the state-provided benefits they receive are paid for by lottery proceeds.
Now a private management firm says it can raise more money for them.
Two dozen seniors gathered at Rutherford House in suburban Harrisburg to meet the Secretary of Aging. Secretary Brian Duke has become quite visible selling the idea of a private manager of the Lottery.
The idea is to raise more money for programs for older Pennsylvanians.
"I would support that,” commented Karen Lester of Harrisburg. “If it's going to take away programs that we have i don't think it would be a good idea."
"I enjoy all the senior citizen centers they provide for,” Sarah Rappolt added. “We have all sorts of activities that we do, that are really good for us."
Secretary Duke said expansion of services requires the privatization of the lottery operation.
“The dollars the new revenues, enhanced revenues that will come out of the private management agreement will be dedicated to home and community-based services for older Pennsylvanians reflected by the $50 million allotment you see in the governor's proposed budget," explained Secretary of Aging Brian Duke.
$20 million dollars would fund in-home personal care services and home-delivered meals. It will also support elder abuse investigations and improvements to senior centers.
Whether the additional $50 million dollars will be contained in next year's budget is now in the hands of the state Attorney General. If she approves it, the contract will become effective.