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Schools to get gambling money

After about six hours of debate, the House gave first round approval to a bill that would put gambling money into a separate account for education.

Democratic lawmakers argued that the bill will pull money from poor school districts and give it to the richer ones. St. Louis County Representative Barb Fraser

On the other side of the issue, Republican lawmakers say the bill will provide an equitable distribution of the gaming revenue throughtout all areas of the state.

In Jefferson City, Megan Murphy, KMOX News

Republican lawmakers say they want to fulfill a promise made in 1992 to give schools extra funding in the form of gambling revenue. Republican Representative Rod Jetton from Southeast Missouri says this bill is about holding Missouri accountable to the tax payers.

On the other side of the issue, Democratic lawmakers say that setting up a separate account isn't necessary because the money already goes to education.

In Jefferson City, Megan Murphy, KMOX News