Bill Could Be Real Jackpot For Schools

Sen. Tim Tucker, D-Porthill, proposed legislation Friday that would divert all of Idaho’s lottery proceeds into school construction.

The lottery profits now are divided between the state’s building fund and a fund for school building maintenance. Tucker said if the whole pot was put toward school construction, Idaho would have between $18 million and $22 million a year to make available through matching grants to school districts for construction projects.

His bill, approved for introduction Friday by the Senate Education Committee, would have school districts put up 65 percent of the project’s cost, with the state paying 35 percent. A statewide council would select the projects.

“We’re wearing out school buildings at a rate far faster than we’re building them,” Tucker said.

Idaho now provides no state funds for school construction, leaving the full cost to local property taxpayers.

The committee will schedule hearings on the bill.

, DataTimes