“Sin” businesses slow for state

Business is slowing at state agencies that make a profit, but both the Virginia Lottery and the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control have some new strategies to get back in growth mode.

And the other departments could use the help. Gov. Tim Kaine has asked state agencies to submit plans with 5, 10, and 15 percent cuts to help balance an anticipated $1.4 billion shortfall.

Although state governments across the country are dealing with slowing lottery revenue – something previously thought inconceivable – Kaine has not issued any directives to the state lottery to squeeze out more profit or boost revenue considerably, and Virginia has not made any quick moves to help out the industry. Read more