Buck Buchanan–Influential Member of the State Finance Committee–Signs Petition Opposing the Lottery!

State Representative Charles “Buck” Buchanan signed North Carolina Citizens for a Sound Economy’s (CSE) petition opposing a state sponsored lottery. Buchanan, a powerful member of the state Finance Committee, is an eighth term Republican representing Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and Mitchell counties in the General Assembly. Buchanan adding his name to a growing list of General Assembly members who oppose a lottery is a powerful blow to the politicians’ and gambling companies’ dream of implementing a government-run lottery in North Carolina.

“It is becoming obvious that once legislators learn what a lottery will do to North Carolina’s families and communities, they will vote against it.” said Jonathan Hill, North Carolina CSE Director. “NC CSE is making every effort to keep the people and our legislators informed about the government-run lottery and its negative effects on North Carolina. Clearly our efforts are paying off because we are gaining new allies everyday.”

North Carolina CSE opposes a lottery on the grounds that it builds a larger state government, will lead to higher taxes, and will not help the state address its current budget short fall. Instead of a lottery, the group believes the best way to address budgetary problem is to reduce overall government spending.