Gov. Jeb Bush wants lawmakers to use a $30-million unclaimed lottery prize to match private donations.
By STEPHEN HEGARTY and STEVE BOUSQUET
Published October 21, 2003
TALLAHASSEE - It looks like Florida's colleges and universities may be the big lottery winners, not the public schools.
Gov. Jeb Bush on Monday urged lawmakers to use an unclaimed lottery jackpot worth $30-million to match private donations to Florida's universities and community colleges. Bush directed lawmakers to take up the issue during this week's special session.
The lottery windfall would be a big boost to fundraising efforts at the state's colleges, which have seen some donations dry up when the state failed to match gifts.
It also marks a turnaround for Bush, who recommended three weeks ago that the money be spread among the state's 67 school districts.
"Apparently, the governor has changed his mind," said Jim Hamilton, chief of staff for Hillsborough County schools. "That's disappointing for us. But I don't think it's a bad investment."
University fundraisers, who have been pleading with the state to make good on its commitment to match private donations, were thrilled at Monday's news.
"Frankly, I thought it was Christmas in October," said Michael Rierson, vice president for advancement at the University of South Florida. "I might have to go buy a bunch of lottery tickets today."
The state's 11 universities are owed more than $113-million for matches dating back several years. USF is owed more than $15-million. University officials have argued for years that the state was being shortsighted when it failed to match major donations because donors are more willing to give when they know their gift is matched.
Some donors have vowed not to give any more money until the state pays its match for earlier gifts.
Bush's proposal seems to have plenty of legislative support.
House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, said the lottery jackpot money should not be put in the base budget of the public schools because it is a one-time windfall, and the schools could not depend on such an infusion again next year.
"The guiding principle," Byrd said, "is let's use nonrecurring dollars in a way that generates economic development or private matching."
Rep. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, wants all unclaimed lottery prizes to go to the schools, not back into lottery prizes as is the traditional practice.
"While I believe that there are many areas of education that are in need of funding, I am delighted that the governor recognizes the value of using unclaimed lottery dollars to improve education," Justice said. "Excess lottery dollars should be in our classrooms and not on the billboards."
- Times staff writer Alisa Ulferts contributed to this report.
