Jim Rosica
As expected, the Florida Lottery has withdrawn its appeal of a lawsuit over a multi-million dollar agency contract launched by House Speaker Richard Corcoran.
A “notice of voluntary dismissal” was filed in the case at the 1st District Court of Appeal Wednesday.
“The issues raised on appeal were mooted by the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, and this matter is therefore resolved,” the filing said.
In December, the Lottery agreed to tweak a multi-year deal—for new equipment and other items—to require legislative oversight and approval.
The Lottery, which reports to Gov. Rick Scott, released redacted documents detailing changes in what was originally a contract worth $700 million over an initial 10-year period, with three available 3-year renewal options.
Among others, the changes include reducing the number of “full-service vending machines” and requiring the vendor, International Game Technology (IGT), to “support the Lottery’s marketing efforts” by kicking back $30,000 a month.
Corcoran had sued last February, saying the Lottery was guilty of “wasteful and improper spending” and “signing a contract that spends beyond existing budget limitations.”
The contract was for new retailer terminals, in-store signage, self-service lottery vending machines, self-service ticket checkers and an upgraded communications network.
Corcoran’s lawsuit said the Lottery “cannot enter into a contract that obligates the agency to pay more in subsequent fiscal years than its current budget authority allows.”
Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge Karen Gievers agreed with Corcoran and invalidated the deal in March. The Lottery then appealed. Both sides asked the appellate court to put a hold on the case as they worked on a resolution.
Lottery proceeds go into the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, which helps pay for public education.
