HBO's John Oliver Tears into Illinois Lottery, Education Funding

Even though the Illinois gubernatorial election has faded from national headlines, it wasn’t long before the state was thrust back into the limelight by John Oliver, host of HBO’s satirical news show, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”

While the Illinois lottery provides some revenue to the state’s Common School Fund – about $639 million in 2012 – Oliver lambasted the program as a way for the government to funnel money toward education by institutionalizing an addictive “vice” such as gambling.

“Seriously, Illinois? There is a reason that the first step in a 12-step program isn’t ‘Congratulations on starting the program! Why not reward yourself with a refreshing gin and tonic! Cheers!’”

Watch Oliver’s full (reasonable) rant here.

And though we might be in the eye of the election hurricane season, see why there’s already talk about who will face Sen. Mark Kirk in 2016.

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