Columbia, S. C. - Governor Jim Hodges on Friday urged legislators to pass a lottery spending plan before "time runs out" for the state's students. The Governor also insisted legislators pass a plan making higher education accessible to all South Carolinians through achievement and need-based scholarships and free technical education.

"In November 2000, South Carolinians voted for a lottery to create more college scholarships and free technical education," Hodges said. "In February 2002, the General Assembly has not followed through on the people's plan."

The Senate is debating one version of the lottery-spending plan. A newly proposed House lottery-spending plan does not provide scholarships for students based on need or provide free technical education.

"Most South Carolina colleges and universities announce student aid packages by mid-April," Hodges said. "Unless the General Assembly passes lottery legislation by the end of next month, students will not know how much financial aid will be available to them next year. This will make decisions regarding higher education opportunities tougher on parents and students. Time is running out for students and their families."

The Governor has proposed using lottery proceeds to offer college scholarships to all students with B averages, provide free technical education to high school graduates, and create world-class research institutions at state colleges and universities.