Unclaimed prize money would fund HOPE

Unclaimed prize money from the Georgia Lottery would automatically be used toward the state's HOPE scholarships and pre-kindergarten programs under a bill filed by Sen. Rick Jeffares, R-Locust Grove.

The law currently allows unclaimed money to be added back into the lottery pool for future prizes or to be used toward programs related to compulsive gambling. All other lottery revenue already funds HOPE and pre-k programs, although lawmakers this week were told HOPE payouts would drop staring in 2014 because the program -- and lottery revenue -- can't keep up with soaring enrollment and tuition.

Jeffares said Senate Bill 310 was prompted by news last month that a winning $77 million Powerball ticket -- sold in west Georgia -- had expired because no one claimed it. More than 30 senators have signed on to the bill, which has bipartisan support in the chamber.

About the Author

Kristina Torres

The untold story of Amy Carter’s White House nanny, Mary Prince

Mary Prince met President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter 54 years ago as a wrongly convicted murderer. She talks about becoming a beloved nanny, caregiver and member of the family.

Democratic PSC candidates promise lower power bills headed into primary runoff

Two Democrats with contrasting backgrounds compete for the party nomination in a low-turnout runoff election for a chance to serve on Georgia's Public Service Commission.

SEC accuses GOP-linked Georgia lender of $140M Ponzi scheme

Federal regulators filed a complaint Thursday seeking the seizure of Georgia lender First Liberty Building & Loan, accusing its founder of operating a Ponzi scheme.

The Latest

Credit: Courtesy Chuck Williams

OPINION

The untold story of Amy Carter’s White House nanny, Mary Prince

SEC accuses GOP-linked Georgia lender of $140M Ponzi scheme

SNAP cuts could mean fewer free meals for Georgia students

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.