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Illinois has been
operating without a budget since the fiscal year began in July
due to an impasse between Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and
Democrats who control the state legislature over a
multi-billion-dollar deficit.
Stephen Rossi, communications director of the Illinois Lottery,
said prizes less than $25,000 are being paid but big winners
will have to wait to get their money.
"Due to the ongoing budget situation in Springfield, some
lottery winner payments have been delayed," Rossi said in a
statement. "All winners will be paid in full as soon as the
lottery and the Illinois comptroller have the legislative
authority to do so."
He did not say how many prizes have not been paid but the
Illinois Lottery website shows some $25 million in winnings over
$25,000 since July 1.
Illinois' Lotto game currently has a $5.5 million jackpot with a
drawing set for Saturday.
Rauner has pushed for deep funding cuts as well as changes to
worker's compensation and collective bargaining curbs in
exchange for agreeing to tax hikes that Democrat lawmakers want.
Due to court orders and state laws, Illinois has been able to
make some essential payments during the budget crisis, such as
payroll, debt service on bonds, pensions, schools, child and
foster care and other items.
The lottery apparently falls into non-priority items that the
governor cannot pay without an approved budget.
(Reporting by Karen Pierog; Writing by Fiona Ortiz; Editing by
Bill Trott)
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