Jan 16, 2013 2 min read

State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-50th District, on Wednesday questioned the rush to privatize operations of the Pennsylvania State Lottery system.

“I believe the Pennsylvania legislature has an important role in determining the makeup of the Pennsylvania Lottery,” Snyder said. “Likewise, Pennsylvania citizens deserve to be heard on an asset they own.”

Late last week, the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett signaled it would be accepting a bid from a British firm, Camelot Global, to privatize lottery operations.

“The administration’s asserted right to accept such a bid without guidance from the legislature or input from the public does not make it the right thing to do,” Snyder said. “The need to grow lottery proceeds is understandable – older Pennsylvanians rely on lottery programs – but the governor is playing with fire by rushing to privatize without all the cards being on the table.”

Snyder said she was looking forward to testimony next week at hearings before the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee regarding the privatization plan. Snyder, who was named to the committee Monday, said she has many concerns about the bid.

“Removing state management of a lottery program that has produced $5.4 billion in property tax and rent rebates over its 41-year history sounds many alarms,” Snyder said. “I am hoping that a reasoned, transparent look at all the facets will find ways to safeguard a proven winner for Pennsylvania.”