Multistate lottery winners may keep mum

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Multistate lottery winners in Michigan could remain anonymous under a measure being considered by the Michigan Senate.

The bill would prohibit the disclosure unless the winner agrees to it in writing. Lottery officials are authorized to disclose a multistate game winner's identity.

Sterling Heights Republican and bill sponsor Tory Rocca says winners should be allowed keep their privacy, particularly for their own safety.

Lottery officials say few states require anonymity and identifying winners is important to show people win prizes.

The Senate Fiscal Agency says the legislation if enacted into law would likely decrease media coverage and the promotional impact of prizes. That would indirectly reduce money going into the School Aid Fund.

The lottery contributed more than $727 million to the fund during the last fiscal year.