Gov. Ed Rendell's administration received a cool reception from Republicans yesterday when he took the first step toward legalizing video poker in bars as a way to raise up to $550 million for college students in the state.

"We have an immediate need for tuition relief for college students," Kathleen Shaw, a deputy secretary of education, told a House panel during the initial public hearing on the legislation. "Incredible educational benefits would come to our state if the Tuition Relief Act is passed."

She said many families are racking up debt of $40,000 or more to meet the rising costs of college, and the state needs to help them.

But critics, such as Rep. Curt Schroder, R-Chester, attacked the proposal, which would put up to 70,000 video poker machines in 14,000 bars and clubs around the state that have state liquor licenses.

"Video poker is one of the most addictive forms of gambling," he said. "It will be destructive of our neighborhoods by turning thousands of bars and restaurants into mini-casinos."

Stephen Drachler, executive director of A United Methodist Witness, also was critical, saying video poker "is the crack cocaine of gambling. It is a bad bet for Pennsylvania."