The N.C. State Lottery Commission is projecting a flat year for lottery sales and today adopted a budget that differs sharply with the projection Gov. Mike Easley has included in his proposed budget.

Lottery commissioners today approved a forecast that calls for $957.7 million in sales that would generate $341.6 million for education programs in the state.

Easley’s budget projects that increased prizes would yield $1.5 billion in sales, with a $438 million return for education.

Easley wasn’t available for comment.

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