Indianapolis, Indiana – As the month of May ushers in warmer weather, baseball season, and the thrilling excitement of the Indianapolis 500, it also brings a time for reflection and recognition of those who serve and protect the state of Indiana. With notable observances like International Firefighters’ Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and National Police Week, it’s the perfect opportunity for the Hoosier Lottery to highlight its significant contributions to the state, especially to the hardworking individuals who benefit from its surplus revenue.
The Hoosier Lottery plays a pivotal role in supporting critical community services across Indiana. In Fiscal Year 2024, the lottery returned a remarkable $364 million in surplus revenue to the state. This substantial amount goes directly toward supporting the pension and retirement funds of retired police officers, firefighters, and teachers—ensuring these dedicated public servants can enjoy a well-deserved retirement. This return of funds fulfills the Hoosier Lottery’s mission of returning maximum net revenue to the state in a socially responsible manner, benefiting both the individuals who serve and the broader Hoosier community.
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Each year, the Hoosier Lottery contributes $30 million to support local police and firefighter pensions and an additional $30 million to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund. These contributions are crucial in providing financial stability for the state’s first responders and educators who have devoted their careers to safeguarding and educating Indiana’s residents. But the support doesn’t end there—surplus funds from the lottery also go into the Lottery Surplus Fund, which plays a significant role in lowering excise taxes for Indiana vehicle owners by up to 50 percent, providing additional relief to Hoosiers across the state.
Sarah M. Taylor, Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery, expressed her pride in the lottery’s role in supporting Indiana’s citizens. “We’re so proud of the more than 7 billion dollars the Hoosier Lottery has generated for the State of Indiana in the last 35 years,” she said. “Giving back to good causes is part of the Hoosier Lottery’s commitment to helping build a Stronger, Safer, Smarter Indiana.”
For those who wish to learn more about the Hoosier Lottery’s contributions and how it gives back to the state, the Hoosier Lottery offers a county-by-county breakdown of contributions on its official website. The detailed report highlights the lottery’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Hoosiers and making Indiana a stronger, safer place to live.
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As Indiana celebrates the month of May and the essential roles that teachers, police officers, and firefighters play in the community, the Hoosier Lottery takes pride in its part in supporting these pillars of society. Through its continued efforts, the lottery ensures that Indiana’s heroes can rest easy knowing their pensions are well-funded, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their hard work. For more information and to see how the Hoosier Lottery continues to contribute, visit HoosierLottery.com/Giving-Back.
