Law makers in Georgia are questioning bonuses paid to Georgia State Lottery officials. According to reports President Margaret Defrancisco of the Georgia Lottery and her employees together received just about $3 million in bonuses during 2007.

Defrancisco herself is said to have earned a bonus of $236,500.00 in addition to her $286,000.00 salary. Lottery money in the state of Georgia is earmarked for programs like HOPE, an educational program providing Georgia students that maintain a B average tuition, and other college related costs. Three years ago, the qualification requirements for this program were reevaluated due to finances.

"We have taken steps to protect HOPE and we want to make sure HOPE is secure, and I just have to wonder how secure HOPE will be paying out $3 million bonuses every year," he said. "It was bad enough when this was brought to light two or three years ago, and so what changed? Nothing."

Lottery officials have always been paid with a bonus structured system, however according to the Ledger Enquirer those bonuses have increased 10 to 15 times what they were when the lottery was first introduced.

Mitch Seabaugh, Senate Majority Whip said the bonuses were "absolutely absurd" he went on saying he wanted to re-examine the lottery groups structure.

"There is no accountability, so they can do what they want - take the money and run and be happy with it," Seabaugh was reported telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

- 2007-12-04