Rauner, Democrats strike deal on lottery payouts, gas tax money for towns

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Democrats on Wednesday struck a rare agreement, compromising on a plan to release more than $3.1 billion to pay Illinois Lottery winners and help cities and towns operate 911 centers, plow roads and train firefighters.

Normally, municipalities receive a share of gas tax, 911 surcharge and gambling revenue to help prop up day-to-day operations, but those dollars have been on hold due to the state budget impasse. Legislation passed 107-1 by the House would free those funds. Of the total, $1 billion for the lottery, which had stopped making large payouts because the state hasn’t had a budget since July 1…Please click here to read Monique Garcia’s story in the Tribune.