Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says the state could earn $15 billion by leasing the state lottery. When he first proposed the lease back in May, he estimated the state could get $10 - $12 billion.

Blagojevich says as financial experts look into the plan more they’re finding the state is in position to bring in more money.

“This is a creative way to put more money in our schools that doesn’t raise taxes on people and we get more bang for our buck on resources,” he says.

Blagojevich says the lottery would revert back to the state in 2024 when the lease expires.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka is critical of the plan. She proposes building a casino in Chicago to raise money for education.