A lawmaker in Utah, one of two U.S. states with no forms of legal gambling, is proposing an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize a state lottery, with proceeds dedicated to property tax relief for seniors.
State Rep. Kera Birkeland has introduced a bill that would authorize a voter referendum on the lottery, an idea long opposed by the state’s largest religion, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She says it is intended to address the problem of rising property taxes which pose a significant challenge to seniors.
“I am personally more concerned about senior citizens living on fixed incomes,” she commented to KSL TV. “It’s not in the legislation, but something I’m looking into,” stated.
Birkeland says Utah is losing up to $200 million in lottery ticket revenue, with many residents crossing state borders to purchase tickets in neighboring states. Birkeland’s proposal includes earmarking a portion of lottery revenue specifically to alleviate the tax burden on the elderly.
The challenges in the state come not only from the Mormons, but the state’s governor, Spencer Cox, who has consistently opposed gambling measures. Even if the bill should clear the hurdle or the governor’s opposition, an amendment to the constitution would require the support of two-thirds of the legislators in both chambers and the approval of the majority of voters.
Birkeland, though, told the news station she is “up for a challenge” despite the opposition.
“I think (tax relief) is a really important conversation to have on Capitol Hill as we go into this session, because that is really the No. 1 concern of my constituents,” she said. “And if we need to have the conversation around a lottery to elevate that and actually address the issue, then so be it.”
