Senate sends Rauner bill to free up gas tax, lottery money

The legislation also would funnel money to the Illinois Lottery for prize payouts and ensure low-income families get help paying heating bills after both programs were thrown into turmoil due to the ongoing budget impasse between the Republican governor and Democrats who control the legislature. The measure represents a rare area of agreement between the warring sides, and would release a total of $3.1 billion that’s been on hold as the state enters a sixth month without full spending authority.