ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (AP) – Illinois Lottery officials say they support a short-term budget proposed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner because it would pay lottery winners.

The state of Illinois remains without a budget after Rauner and Democratic leaders couldn’t come to an agreement. Last year lottery winners sued when the state withheld winnings because of lack of a budget. A patchwork plan allowed lottery winners to eventually be paid but it expires June 30, the end of the budget year.

Illinois Lottery spokesman Stephen Rossi tells the Daily Herald that lottery prizes will be paid to winners before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. He says the lottery supports a short-term budget that Rauner proposed that would pay winners. Rossi said the lottery encourages Democrats to pass it.