Illinois Lottery sued for not paying winnings due to state budget impasse

The Chicago Tribune reports:

A pair of lottery winners have filed a federal lawsuit against the Illinois Lottery, which still is selling tickets despite its inability to pay prizes greater than $25,000 until state lawmakers pass a budget.

"How the heck can they do this, and they're still selling tickets?" said Homer Glen resident Rhonda Rasche, 48, who is still waiting for the $50,000 she won in July from a $3 scratch-off ticket. "If I was the one selling raffle tickets and I didn't pay, I would be sued or in jail or both."


At a press conference Wednesday, Rasche became emotional while recalling her plans to spend some of her winnings on home improvements, new furniture and a vacation for her best friend and the friend's sister who had nursed their mother during a long terminal illness

"I feel like my balloon was kind of deflated," Rasche said, tearing up as she spoke. "I wasn't totally banking on the money but it was pretty crushing. I just feel like it's totally unfair."

Last month, the lottery made national headlines after it confirmed that state law prohibited it from paying prizes larger than $25,000 because the legislature must authorize the state comptroller to cut the checks. Lottery officials said they were still able to pay amounts of $25,000 or less.

Government: the God that fails.