Senate lawmakers on the left and right came together Thursday to
fund more schools in Denver, passing Senate Bill 256. It was a remarkable feat but it may be overshadowed by the
big-time poker game the Joint Budget Committee began dealing out Wednesday, which could cost already strapped higher education in the state roughly $400 million. The committee threatened to cut $300 million in state funds, which would automatically disqualify Colorado for $100 million more in federal stimulus cash.