Illinois’ comptroller says lottery winners could once again not collect their winnings if there’s no state budget approved by July first. 11 months ago - there was no full state budget. But lawmakers approved a small amount of spending to pay for things like salt for icy roads, heat for low income residents in the winter, and lottery winners.
But Comptroller Leslie Munger says - all that money expires July 1… And lawmakers will have to re-approve it all over again.
"This budget stalemate is causing irreparable harm to the very people and organizations that our government exists to serve."
Meantime, the state’s bond rating was once again lowered. As for the latest in budget talks? Yesterday Democrats and Republicans disagreed over whether political insults influence budget negotiations.