YOUNGWOOD, Pa. -- On Thursday, a public hearing was held at Westmoreland County Community College as the debate regarding Gov. Ed Rendell's plan to legalize video poker machines and use the tax revenue generated to fund college education revved up.

It was the second of four hearings that will be held across the states by representatives gathering input on the issue.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Tony Atwater welcomed the possible relief from gaming revenue, citing how some students are racking up debt and can no longer afford to go to class.

"It is a crisis that deserves a solution and a solution now," said Atwater.

House Bill 1317 would put a price tag of $1,000 on a year's tuition at a state university or community college for students from families that make less than $32,000 per year.

The bill would also offer some savings to families that earn up to $100,000.

Currently, the money could not be used for private schools.

Along with some college leaders, state police are for the bill, saying storing all of the illegal video poker machines they confiscate each year costs them $100,000.

Stephen Drachler, who represents a Methodist coalition, said legalizing machines and bars and restaurants could create poker addicts, destroy morals and hurt families.

"The state has succumbed to lure of the easy buck. It's important to remember, for every winner in these games, there are many, many losers," said Drachler.

The House hopes to take a vote on the issue in June, but many legislators said they'll be busy with budget-related issues, meaning video poker may have to take a back seat.

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