A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to support Governor Phil Bredesen's proposal to use surplus lottery proceeds for public school building projects.

WHEREAS, Tennessee lottery sales have been higher than expected, which has resulted in the accumulation of $315 million in the lottery reserve account; and

WHEREAS, the lottery system is only required by state law to maintain $50 million in reserves, thus allowing the remaining $265 million to either be appropriated or kept in a reserve account; and

WHEREAS, Article X, § 5 of the Tennessee Constitution provides that surplus lottery revenues may be used for capital outlay projects for K-12 schools and/or early learning programs and after school programs; and

WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bredesen has proposed using a portion of the lottery surplus for school building projects; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, like other midstate counties, has experienced rapid growth, especially in the suburban areas; and

WHEREAS, due to the overcrowding at several Metropolitan public schools, students must be educated in portable classrooms; and

WHEREAS, in addition to making it difficult for children to concentrate and learn, these portable classrooms pose a danger to the health and safety of our children; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that a portion of the lottery surplus revenues be used to help local governments construct school facilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to support Governor Phil Bredesen's proposal to use surplus lottery proceeds for public school building projects.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel