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Fallin sees rough waters for state lottery

Fallin, Oklahoma's top statewide elected Republican, said support for the Democratic governor's lottery proposal from Democrats and Republicans may not be enough to send it to a statewide vote of the people.

"I don't support the lottery. I think it's a bad idea," Fallin said. She said she usually supports the public's right to vote on issues, but not this time.

"I'd prefer not to see it go to a vote," Fallin said.

Henry has said a lottery would raise up to $300 million a year for public education. He said he will ask the Legislature to refer a constitutional amendment to a statewide referendum as soon as possible.

But Fallin, in an interview with The Associated Press, said most Republicans in the House and Senate believe a lottery will not resolve public education's budget problems.

"I don't think they see that as the solution," she said.

Schools have lost $158 million to state budget cuts this year and may face another round of cuts. Lawmakers expect to have $600 million less to spend in 2003 than they did a year ago.

Fallin said lotteries do not raise as much money as expected by their supporters and give the public a false sense of hope of hitting huge lottery jackpots.

She said she favors funneling more money into public education by growing the economy, consolidating government functions and cutting unneeded programs and services.

"I think it is time that we restructure state government," Fallin said. The budget shortfall, the largest since statehood, will force lawmakers to take cost-cutting actions they could not or would not take before.

"I think the public wants a smarter, smaller, more efficient and effective government," she said, noting that state spending has risen about $2 billion over the last decade.

"We've done some great things. We've invested in some good programs. But we've spent a lot of money. Now we're paying the price."

Fallin, 47, said Henry's lottery plan may be the biggest stumbling block between the state's top two executives and hopes to have a close working relationship with the governor.

"We have too many problems to address to be partisan," she said. "We will debate the issues. We will have some differences of opinion."

Fallin said she is encouraged by Henry's budget proposals, which call for streamlining state government. Similar plans were proposed by former Republican Gov. Frank Keating but were rejected by the Democrat-dominated Legislature, she said.

"We hope that all of these issues get a fair hearing."

Fallin said she supports efforts to privatize state lodges and golf courses, which lose a combined $3 million a year in state revenue. The lodges were built 50 years ago and need major improvements.

"The question has to be asked, should we be in the hotel business? Is that a function of government?" Fallin said.

The Legislature has authorized the sale or lease of the lodge at Lake Texhoma, and authorization is needed for three others, she said.

The lieutenant governor also said she wants to explore the possible consolidation of the Tourism Department with the Department of Commerce. "They have some common goals," she said.

Fallin said she is against a proposed five-cent increase in the state motor fuel tax to support transportation but supports a proposed $1 per pack increase in the cigarette excise tax as well as a ban on smoking in restaurants.

She also urged state teachers to avoid a planned education rally on Feb. 12 where education leaders will call for a tax increase.

"We know that there's not enough money for education," Fallin said. She urged teachers to remain in the classroom and "let us work on the issues at hand."

Fallin said lawmakers should consider consolidating administrative functions in local school districts and other ways to cut costs before considering new taxes.

Fallin, elected to her third term in November, said her role has changed since Henry's election gave Democrats control of the governor's office for the first time in eight years.

"It has changed my relationship with the Republican leaders in the House and Senate," she said.

While savoring her new political profile, Fallin said she has not ruled out a run for a higher office in the next four years.

"All options are open. You never know what will happen."