[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17018]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       ON THE OCCASION OF THE MICHIGAN LOTTERY'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2012

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important milestone 
in the history of the Michigan Lottery as it celebrates its 40th 
Anniversary. Over the last four decades the Michigan Lottery has been 
focused on fulfilling its mission to supplement state education 
programs through lottery revenues and provide Michigan residents and 
visitors with fun and entertaining games of chance, while doing so with 
a commitment to total integrity.
  Since November 1972, when the Lottery offered its first game, a 50-
cent green game ticket with weekly drawings, the Lottery has generated 
over $50 billion in sales. In 1981, Governor Milliken took an important 
step to help Michigan residents further realize the economic benefit of 
the Lottery to our State by signing Public Act 40 into law, which 
dedicated Lottery revenues to the Michigan School Aid Fund. Since that 
time, the Michigan Lottery has implemented many new innovative programs 
and games to offer Michigan residents a great gaming experience, for 
which it was just recognized with an award for Best New Instant Game by 
the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries.
  Today the results of the Michigan Lottery's success are evident in 
the many ways its programs have benefitted the State. Specifically, 
over the duration of its existence, the Lottery has awarded over $26.8 
billion in prizes to Lottery participants. In addition, it has donated 
$17.3 billion to the School Aid Fund over its lifespan. Local merchants 
have also benefitted with $3.2 billion in retail commissions. When the 
merchant commissions are combined with the awards given to participants 
and schools, it is clear the Lottery has been a significant contributor 
to stimulating the State economy.
  As a former Commissioner of the Michigan Lottery, this milestone is 
one that I view with a personal point of pride. While serving as 
Lottery Commissioner, I was pleased to implement a new innovative game, 
Club Keno, which spurred growth by offering participants the chance to 
play a fun, fast and action-oriented game that could yield up to a 
$100,000 prize off just a single $1 bet. Thanks to the success of Club 
Keno and many other Lottery programs, I was honored to oversee record 
contributions to the School Aid Fund during my time as Lottery 
Commissioner.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
tremendous contributions that the Michigan Lottery has made to the 
State of Michigan over the last 40 years. I congratulate the current 
Commissioner, Mr. M. Scott Bowen, on overseeing the Lottery's continued 
success and support of public education in Michigan.

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