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Michigan Considers Sunday Lottery Drawings

"That's how much more money they believe would flow into Michigan's school-aid account if they could finally legalize Sunday lottery drawings.

"A new push to allow them comes from top state officials, including acting Lottery Director Jim Kipp. While Gov. John Engler hasn't disclosed his opinion on Sunday drawings, it's unlikely Kipp and other administration officials would support it without his agreement.

" It's a big decision for some legislators. The prohibition against Sunday lottery drawings, like outlawed Sunday-morning liquor sales, is among the few Sabbath traditions still held officially sacred by Michigan government.

"…There are mixed feelings among members of the House-Senate conference committee that will decide the issue, possibly this week.

" They, other lawmakers and Engler face a projected shortfall of nearly $700 million in state revenues between now and the end of the 2003-2004 budget year.

"…The proposed Sunday drawings would be for non-instant games -- the ones, such as the Daily 3 game, whose tickets are sold through lottery machines at retail stores.

"…Revenue from lottery ticket sales drops 89 percent on Sundays from weekdays and Saturdays, said lottery spokeswoman Stepheni Schlinker. Lottery officials blame the fall-off on the fact that there aren't any Sunday drawings…"

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