Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms pushes casino gambling vote to fund universal pre-K
Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms proposes a voter referendum on casino gambling to fund universal pre-K and early education.Summary
Georgia Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms wants voters to decide whether to legalize casino gambling, with part of the proceeds funding universal pre-K and early education. Her April 2026 education plan estimates casinos could generate $300 million to $500 million annually. Legalization would require a constitutional amendment approved by two-thirds of both legislative chambers and then by voters; the plan does not specify how many casinos would be allowed. Previous gambling expansion efforts in Georgia have stalled. Bottoms also aims to guarantee a pre-K seat for every 4-year-old whose family wants one, using lottery and gambling revenue for operating costs like classroom operations, educator pay, transportation, and training, with reserves and one-time funds for renovations and equipment. Georgia's pre-K enrolled 71,526 children in 2023-24, serving 55% of 4-year-olds; the campaign estimates about 52,000 more children would need slots at an additional annual operating cost of about $330 million, though full participation is unlikely.
(Source：Wjcl Television)