State Promises To Start Lotto Payouts, But Winners Not Holding Their Breath
(CBS) -- Lottery winners who've been waiting to cash in an IOU from the state - aren't holding their breath even though the Illinois lottery says it will start paying out what they owe.
CBS 2's Audrina Bigos reports on the continued fight for cash.
Big winnings come once in a lifetime if you're lucky.
"First of all, I never thought I'd win because I really don't have good luck," said Rhonda Rasche.
But five months ago, Rhonda thought her luck had changed with a $50,000 winning ticket.
She had some plans for the money until the state stopped payments to lottery winners because of the budget stalemate. Rhonda joined with other winners in a class action lawsuit.
"We filed an emergency motion for an injunction to force the lottery to pay the money out," said attorney Tom Zimmerman.
It worked and this week Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill. Now the lottery can pay all its delayed winnings.
"I'll believe it when I see it," Rasche said. "When I have that check in my hands, I'll believe it."
Now these winners want their money, with interest. Meanwhile, Rhonda hasn't heard from anyone with the lottery.
Lottery officials say they will start paying winners in the order the claims were received that goes back five months. There's no timeframe on that.
The lottery will start taking new prize claims next Tuesday.