ATLANTA (September 9, 2015) | Sen. Harold Jones II (D – Augusta) has been appointed to the Senate Preservation of the Hope Scholarship Program Study Committee. The Committee is charged with examining the feasibility of legalizing casino gambling as a mechanism to fund the Hope Scholarship.
“Finding available funding streams for HOPE is extremely important,” said Sen. Jones II. “Casino gambling is an interesting option and I look forward to exploring this opportunity.”
The committee is authorized by House Resolution 827, which would allow gaming and horse racing revenues to be used to keep the HOPE Scholarship program financially viable.
The proposed legislation has attracted the attention of MGM Resorts International, which has proposed building a $1 billion gambling complex in downtown Atlanta. In addition to MGM’s plans for a facility in Atlanta, there will be six gaming licenses issued throughout the State, including Augusta-Richmond County.
On Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15, the committee will conduct formal public hearings to examine the social and economic effects of casino gambling.
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For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
Brett.Johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028