Oklahoma House Bill HJR1028

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Constitutional amendment; creating the Oklahoma Veterans Lottery Trust Fund; ballot title; filing.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance financial support systems for veterans while concomitantly prohibiting the legislature from redirecting these funds to replace existing state-funded veterans’ programs. This is designed to secure that any generated lottery revenue goes exclusively towards the welfare of veterans without compromising current benefits. An annual evaluation by the State Board of Equalization will monitor the funding usage, assuring that the Oklahoma Veterans Lottery Trust Fund is not utilized to supplant existing funding allocations. This oversight mechanism emphasizes the commitment to equally meet veterans' needs across the state.

Summary

HJR1028 proposes an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution to establish the Oklahoma Veterans Lottery Trust Fund. This trust fund aims to generate revenue through the Oklahoma Veterans Lottery, with strict provisions on how funds can be utilized. The funds could only be used for veteran-related services, specifically grants to veterans organizations, individual veterans in need, funerals for indigent veterans, and outreach programs that specifically serve veterans. The objective is to ensure that the financial support directed towards veterans' welfare is both substantial and appropriately managed.

Contention

Supporters of HJR1028 argue that the measure allows for a dedicated revenue stream intended solely for veterans' causes, which have long been underfunded. However, opponents may question the sustainability of relying on lottery proceeds to address critical veteran needs. There are concerns regarding whether lottery funding might fluctuate and whether it can sufficiently meet guaranteed support measures in the long run. Additionally, some might raise issues over the potential bureaucracies that could emerge with the establishment of new financial oversight structures and their effectiveness in responding to urgent veterans' services.