Illinois paid lottery winners before college students by Katie Lobosco, CNN

Some of Illinois' neediest college students are falling victim to the state's budget mess. Thousands returned to school after winter break confused and worried about having to come up with a couple thousand dollars more for tuition this semester. The money for grants awarded to low-income students is tied up while Democratic lawmakers continue to hash it out with a Republican governor over the state's financial mess -- seven months after a budget was due. Without it, Illinois cannot pay out funds for most state programs. Don't worry about lottery winners, though. The state found a way to push through the money for them while the budget battle continues. http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/21/pf/college/illinois-budget-college-grants/