SPRINGFIELD – Scratch-off lottery players may have lost out on millions of dollars in prizes because the state’s private lottery manager ended the games before all, or in some cases any, of the promised grand prizes were awarded, according to a recent Chicago Tribune investigation.

State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) was outraged at the findings and called for the state to look into what is going on.

“We have to look at these numbers and be concerned,” Link said. “We also have to question the lack of transparency in this whole process ever since Northstar took over. I represent the state of Illinois and its residents who should be receiving the money they are promised if they win.”

The report showed that under the management of Northstar Lottery Group, the Illinois Lottery’s 17 biggest-prize instant games awarded less than 60 percent of their grand prizes. The Tribune reported that one of the games would have paid out $10 million more if it paid out at its rate of 78 percent, instead of 61 percent.

“The lottery is not called the Northstar Lottery. It is the Illinois Lottery, and it is responsible to those who play and the taxpayers to keep their promises,” Link said.

SPRINGFIELD—This week, Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) voted with his colleagues to override the governor’s veto and pass automatic voter registration.

Senate Bill 250 would automatically register a qualified voter who presents all the information necessary to register to a government agency. This would most commonly occur at the secretary of state’s office who would then forward the information to the State Board of Elections for verification.

“We need to be opening doors and making it easier for our citizens to participate in their democracy,” Link said. “This is about ensuring that those who should have a voice get their right to be heard at the ballot box.”

The legislation now moves to the House for an override vote.

State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) and State Representative Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) joined many other community organizations, government officials and residents for the Vernon Hills Park District Annual Fun Fair. The community event provided families an opportunity to trick or treat with their children in all their costumes. The Office of State Senator Terry Link hoped everyone had a safe and happy Halloween.

WAUKEGAN — On Wednesday, State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) joined other local officials and Walgreens to unveil new medication disposal kiosks at three Lake County Walgreens locations.

Link says that providing safe opportunities to dispose of old and unused medication will help the state in fighting the opioid addiction crisis. In 2014, he pushed legislation through the General Assembly that would allow police departments to safely collect unused and expired medications.

“Fighting drug addiction needs to be a top priority in Illinois. By providing places that residents can safely deposit their unused medications, we can eliminate opportunities for drug abuse by others,” Link said. “This proactive step by Walgreens will create a safer Illinois and continue the fight against prescription drug abuse.”

The kiosks are available at three locations in Lake County. There are more than 45 already placed across the state of Illinois. The kiosks are available during regular pharmacy hours.