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 out 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 revenues to help prop up day-to-day operations, but those dollars have been on hold due to the state budget impasse.