Colorado Powerball gets a second chance

The Leadville Republican wants to use the $11 million that Colorado would gain by joining multi-state lotteries such as Powerball on school construction. Finding a popular cause like that was enough to revive his proposal in the Senate Business Affairs and Labor Committee on a 6-3 vote Wednesday.

The bill allows multi-state lotteries, which usually have bigger jackpots than Colorado's lottery. Chlouber said he will introduce legislation soon that would allow a statewide vote on whether money from such multi-state lotteries should go to construction of elementary, middle and high schools.

That could help resolve a lawsuit filed by some of the state's poorer school districts, complaining they need more money for school construction and repairs.

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