Assembly Republican Budget Committee member Gary Chiusano, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris, issued the following statement after the committee’s hearing on a proposal to retain private management services to operate sales and marketing at the New Jersey State Lottery:

“We have an obligation to taxpayers and students who rely on educational programs funded by the lottery to see if there’s a more efficient and effective way to manage certain aspects of the New Jersey State Lottery.

“There is no harm in exploring whether there’s another way to build a better mouse trap – especially if it will increase education funding without raising taxes.

“Although I remain open-minded on this proposal, I applaud the administration for seeking an innovative way to improve the lottery operation.”