Late in the evening the House passed Senate Bill 6409, which re-brands and markets the state lottery to recognize the expanded use of lottery revenues (established in the bill) to benefit higher education financial aid programs, early learning, and economic development.

Senate Bill 6409 creates the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account. Beginning in state fiscal year 2011, all net revenues from in-state lottery games that are not otherwise dedicated to debt service on the Safeco Stadium and Qwest Field and Exhibition Center are dedicated to the new account. All net income from the multi-state lottery games, other than those dedicated to the Problem Gambling Account, are deposited into the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account rather than into the General Fund.

The Washington Opportunity Pathways Account may only be used for the following programs: recruitment of entrepreneurial researchers, innovation partnership zones, and research teams; the early childhood education and assistance program (ECEAP); the State Need Grant; the State Work Study program; College Bound Scholarships; Washington Promise Scholarships; Washington Scholars; the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE); the Passport to College Promise; the Educational Opportunity Grant; and GET Ready for Math & Science Scholarships.

Senate Bill 6409 is also  expected to provide another $15 million in lottery revenues, from re-branding and market efforts, to help offset the $2.8 billion state budget deficit.

Senate Bill 6409 now goes to the Governor for her signature.