(TRENTON) – A ballot question Assembly Democrats Craig J. Coughlin, Cleopatra Tucker, Troy Singleton, Gilbert “Whip” L. Wilson and Herb Conaway sponsored that would allow veterans’ organizations to use the net proceeds from games of chance to support their organizational expenses was approved by voters in the Tuesday general election.
The constitutional amendment (ACR-114) allows veterans’ organizations to use net proceeds from games of chance to support their organizations. About XX percent of voters approved of the question, allowing bona fide veterans’ organizations registered with the New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission and licensed by a municipality to use the net proceeds from existing games of chance such as bingo, lotto or raffles to support their organizations.
“Many people today must supplement their income in order to make ends meet, and veterans’ organizations are no exception,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “I am glad the people of New Jersey voted to allow this small change to the constitution so that we may help these veteran groups stay afloat.”
“An organization that depends on member fees and donations, in this economy, simply can’t stretch their dollars enough to cover their operational expenses,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “It is wonderful New Jersey voters agreed that this can really help these organizations cover funding gaps and continue their work.”
“Proceeds from these games can become essential funding sources for organizations like the VFW,” said Singleton (D-Burlington), a member of the VFW Auxilliary for Post #3020 in Delran. “These groups perform an enormous amount of community service to which these proceeds will go towards. Our veterans put their lives on the line for us and on Election Day, New Jerseyans said thank you by voting yes to legislation critical in this economy for veterans’ organizations.”
“The disparity between what they take in and what they put out threatens the ability of our veterans’ organizations to assist not just our veterans, but the communities they call home,” said Wilson (D-Camden/Gloucester). “The services they provide are too important to let them falter. This legislation would enable them to do more to make ends meet.”
“Our veterans’ organizations are facing a harsh financial reality,” said Conaway (D-Burlington). “By voting to approve this small change, we breathe new life into these organizations and the important programs supporting local military and veteran families. This is a great day for veterans’ in New Jersey.”
Before approval of the amendment, the net proceeds of these games of chance could only be used for educational, charitable, patriotic, religious or public-spirited purposes. Only senior citizen associations or clubs were allowed to use the net proceeds of existing games of chance to support their organization.
