Minnesota State Lottery lays off 34 people

OWATONNA (AP) -- The Minnesota State Lottery laid off 34 workers at its offices around Minnesota.

Workers received notices Thursday that their jobs will be cut effective Oct. 3. Eleven of the eliminated positions will be at five regional locations, including Owatonna, Detroit Lakes, Virginia, Marshall and Brainerd.

"It came as the result of cuts this year at the Legislature," said Geno Fragnito, Minnesota State Lottery spokesman.

The State Lottery will lose about $3 million to $4 million from state funding in 2004 because of a budget cap. In the past, the agency's budget fluctuated, depending on ticket sales and jackpots.

The Minnesota State Lottery received no more than 15 percent of its gross revenue.

The agency only may spend $43 million in 2004 as a result of the Legislature's budget cap. "That's where the (position) eliminations come into play," Fragnito said.