Lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol Thursday to urge the passing of the Meat Raffle Modernization Act.
The significance of these raffles goes well beyond just burgers, steaks and brats.
"They bring people together, support local businesses, and most importantly, raise critical funds for charities, veteran groups, youth sports, fire relief associations, and community nonprofits across our state," says Amanda Jackson, president of Allied Charities.
The bipartisan bill seeks to update a 30-year-old law that has become financially outdated.
Meat raffles have been popular in pockets of the U.S. for decades, offering a fun way to raise money for charities while handing out prizes ranging from ground beef and hot dogs to chicken breasts and steaks.
The current $70 prize limit and $2 tickets were established more three decades ago, and have never been adjusted for inflation.
Since then, the cost of meat, labor, and operating expenses has risen dramatically.
"It just basically expands the cost that we can charge per meat raffle up to $5," says Jackson. "So, it's not eliminating a $1 or a $2 raffle that's currently legal. It's just expanding that, and then it also expands the price limits from currently $70 up to $200."
That will allow charities to offer more and bigger grill packs, and thicker, fancier steaks, while funding local youth sports teams and other causes. And it will ensure that the state’s beloved if quirky tradition of gambling for meat products will remain viable.
“This is probably the best feel-good bill that we have going on in the Legislature right now,” said Republican Rep. Jim Nash, lead House author of the meat raffle legislation.
