Tennessee Congressman proposes plan for online sports betting money to fund schools

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A Tennessee Congressman proposed a plan to provide more funding for education in the state.

Congressman David Hawk said he plans to propose legislation at the general assembly in Nashville in 2021 that would use funds earned through online sports betting to fund school systems, according to CBS-affiliate, WJHL.

Hawk said schools will look different when students return to in-person learning and the changes that will be required will cost money.

“I’m going to try to take those dollars, 80% of those dollars, and put them back toward local governments for K through 12 facility building,” Hawk said. “It’s something that has not been tried before, so I’m going to try to dedicate those funds.”

Since becoming legal in November, online gambling in Tennessee has brought in $2.4 million in revenue.

The lottery currently funds higher education projects, but Hawk said he wants to help students who are in grades K through 12.