Ka-pow
NEWS RELEASE
LITTLE ROCK (September 23, 2008) – Arkansas boxer Jermain Taylor, a 2000 Olympics medalist, today announced his support for the Scholarship Lottery Amendment on the Nov. 4th General Election ballot.
"I'm always proud to tell people I'm from Arkansas because I've seen firsthand how families in my home state work hard every day to make a better life for their children," Taylor said. "They have earned the opportunity to get a college education. The Scholarship Lottery will offer them this opportunity."
Taylor's wife, the former Erica Smith of Wheatley, also endorsed the Scholarship Lottery.
"A college degree opens so many doors to young people," said Erica Taylor, who was a collegiate basketball standout at Louisiana Tech University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. "Getting that diploma was one of the proudest moments in my life. I believe this amendment will allow many more Arkansans to experience that same feeling."
Jermain Taylor held the middleweight championship crown for two years, after dethroning Bernard Hopkins in July 2005. Taylor is currently ranked as the World Boxing Council's No. 2 super middleweight contender. A Little Rock native, Taylor was the first boxer from Arkansas to compete in the Olympic Games.
Jermain and Erica Taylor have three daughters: Nia, Tyra and Laila. The Taylors live in North Little Rock.
"Hope for Arkansas is delighted to have the support of these two terrific ambassadors for our state, "Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter said. "Jermain and Erica care deeply about the future of Arkansas."
Halter worked with the Hope for Arkansas Committee to qualify the Scholarship Lottery for a public vote. It will appear on the ballot as Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
Business and labor organizations in Arkansas have publicly endorsed the Scholarship Lottery, along with 36 mayors and county judges. The amendment received two significant endorsements last week: The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Board Visitors approved a resolution urging Arkansans to vote for the Scholarship Lottery and Dr. John White, former chancellor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, made his support public.
Comments
Bill wowed the crowd on David Letterman last night. Said he will be in Penn with Biden campaigning soon.
At the linked article I noted the pic of McBush and campaign manager Rick Davis.
It was so interesting to learn that Rick was the lobbyist for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
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Posted by: eLwood![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 23, 2008 11:31 AM
Why don't we hear more about the program that is currently being promoted on TV commercials about college tuition money for students going to in-state colleges that is available for 70% of all Arkansas families. I think i have the details correct but not sure. Anyway, the commercials are currently running and perhaps others know the details.
What is that program about and how has it helped or not? Anyone know. Might be relevant to the lottery proposal.
Also related: some 60 to 70% (someone can look up the exact number) of Arkansas high school graduates are not ready--not truly ready-- for advanced college level work. No amount of lottery money is going to fix that problem. But let's not think about that.
Not like it's the knowledge economy or anything.
Posted by: IABL1969![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 23, 2008 11:32 AM
What is that program about and how has it helped or not? Anyone know. Might be relevant to the lottery proposal.<<
That is the program that Mike Huckabee closed down for 2 years (3 ?) because the state ran
out of money during an economic downturn about 6-8 yrs ago. Wouldn't your high school honor student love to get that news during her freshman year on such a program?
And you are correct IABL, remediation is a problem for Ark's four year colleges. Unfortunately
Lt. Gov's scholarship lottery does not address it. Perhaps after it passes the lege can deal with it.
(wipe that smirk off your face eLwood!)
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Posted by: eLwood![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 23, 2008 12:04 PM
Yeah, what a shock that a boxer would be for something pro-gambling.
Posted by: Nemo![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 23, 2008 12:07 PM
"
the former Erica Smith of Wheatley also endorsed the scholarship lottery"
Well shoot! Who wouldn't be for it now?
Posted by: Citizen home![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 23, 2008 02:07 PM