Tennessee lottery turns 20 – its impact has been incredible

Tennessee has, arguably, the most difficult Constitution to amend. It was an uphill battle but I never gave up because I knew it was too important for our state.

The Tennessee Education Lottery just celebrated 20 years since the sale of the first ticket and, since then, more than $7 billion in revenue has gone to education and more than 2 million Tennesseans have benefitted from lottery scholarships and grants.

The benefits of those scholarships extend beyond those students to their families and communities. In terms of legislative action, the creation of the Tennessee Education Lottery is second only in its impact on Tennessee citizens to the General Assembly’s pivotal role in women being given the right to vote in the 1920s.

Tennessee being the “Perfect 36” state to ratify the constitutional amendment affected every woman in the nation.

The enactment of the Tennessee Lottery, which required amending the state constitution, has benefitted Tennessee students, families, communities and our state’s economy.

I never gave up the lottery fight because it was too important

Twenty years ago, I was one of the first Tennesseans to buy a lottery ticket benefitting the newly enacted Tennessee Education Lottery.

It remains one of the proudest moments in my life because, having worked for almost two decades as a state senator to make a lottery possible in Tennessee, I knew what it had taken to get to the first ticket sale and I knew what the monumental impact would be for Tennesseans.

On Jan. 20, 2004, I accompanied Gov. Phil Bredesen and Rep. Chris Newton, the House sponsor of the lottery legislation, to Murfreesboro to purchase the first lottery tickets whose sale would impact the education of many Tennesseans.

In 1984, less than two years after becoming a state senator, I introduced legislation to amend the Tennessee Constitution to remove the 1832 prohibition that prevented a state lottery.

Tennessee has, arguably, the most difficult Constitution to amend, requiring two successive General Assemblies to pass legislation first by a majority and then approval by two-thirds to be placed on the ballot for the voters. It was an uphill battle but I never gave up because I knew it was too important for our state.

Many Tennesseans spread the word and ensured victory

A small but dedicated group of people supported and worked alongside me through those long years.

Republican mover and shaker Ted

Welch, probably the most influential non-elected member of his party, offered counsel and guidance, as did arts and education patron Walter Knestrick.

Political author and advisor Bo Roberts never wavered.

Marilyn Dillihay, Senate committee research analyst, was with me from 1985 on pushing the legislation.

My then-girlfriend Gloria Houghland and our dog T-BO provided constant support and spent many hours traveling Tennessee with me, always insightful as well as cheerful and optimistic.

Memphian Paula Casey, Tennessee’s premier women’s advocate, used her considerable energy and connections.

Sen. Carl Moore of Bristol was a wise and steadfast partner. And John Lee of the Knoxville Boys and Girls Club was our star in the east. The Tennesseans who voted overwhelmingly for the lottery can be proud of their votes.

I remain proud of the work it took to bring the lottery to fruition. It’s the most important and impactful legislative work of my career.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-memphis, represents Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.