A new legislative push is on the horizon in New York to change state law and permit lottery winners to remain anonymous.
The proposal comes after the recent Powerball jackpot, worth over $1 billion, was won in California, a state that, like New York, mandates winners to publicly disclose their identity and hometown to claim their award.
State Senator Joe Addabbo is leading the initiative, inspired by constituents who faced harassment and had to relocate after winning the lottery.
Supporters of the bill argue that the pressure on lottery winners from various quarters seeking donations can be immense.
While former Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed a similar proposal in 2018 citing public interest and the need for transparency, advocates of the current law believe marketing methods that do not compromise public safety can be employed.
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