Updated 1:08 p.m. with additional information on scholarship funding restoration.
Though no one in Missouri was lucky enough to cash in on the Mega Millions jackpot, Missouri educators and students may benefit from the spike in sales of lottery tickets while the jackpot achieved its record-setting amount.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon announced today the release of $6.7 million in education funding as a result of the boom in lottery ticket sales. Lottery ticket sale profits are used to help support public education in Missouri.
Underneath the umbrella amount of $6.7 million here's how the released funds break down:
- $5 million for local school district transportation programs
- $200,000 for the Fine Arts and Scholars academies
- Remaining $1.5 million to "a variety of education programs"
“These funds will be put to immediate use by our school districts for the vital task of bringing children safely to and from school, even as districts face the challenge of rising fuel prices," Nixon said in a release. "And also will support important learning opportunities in the arts and other fields."
Cuts to two scholarship programs also were reversed. The Access Missouri scholarship will get $357,500, and nearly $650,000 will go to the A+ Schools program.
Nixon's announcement came as senators were to continue work on next year's budget, which takes effect in July. Lawmakers have a May 11 deadline to pass a budget.
