Nonexistent lottery money put in Mass. budget

BOSTON - When Massachusetts lawmakers approved a $24.7 billion state budget last week, they included $25 million in expected revenue from the multistate Powerball lottery.

But the state’s bid to become a part of the game was rejected and state Treasurer Tim Cahill neglected to let legislators know.

Cahill told the Boston Herald that it was his mistake not to inform lawmakers of the rejection, but he added that the money should not have been counted on in the first place.

Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven Panagiotakos said the money was included in the budget because Cahill gave the impression that Massachusetts would be admitted to the lottery.

The rejection took place more than three weeks before the budget was approved.