Illinois House passes gambling expansion bill

Here we go again...Hopefully out idiot Gov won't muck it up and stand in the way of it this time...
Illinois House passes gambling expansion bill
3 hours ago • By The Associated Press

Quote :

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | The Illinois House, in a 69-47 vote, passed a gambling expansion bill that would create new casinos and slot machines at the state's racetracks.

However, the bill passed Wednesday won't allow slots at airports or state fairgrounds.

A gambling bill passed by the Legislature last year, but never sent to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature, included the creation of five new casinos, including the first one in Chicago. Illinois currently has 10 casinos.

Earlier this week, Quinn said Illinois couldn't afford to have lawmakers distracted from crucial issues by more talk of gambling expansion.

A report released by the governor's office in November said a gambling expansion would bring in about $160 million in new annual revenue, not the $1 billion increase claimed by some.

Rumor has it that this time around there are going to be enough votes to override a veto from our idiot Governor....I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
Senate sends gambling expansion to Quinn

Quote :

SPRINGFIELD | The Illinois Senate narrowly approved an expansion of gambling that will add slot machines at horse racing tracks and bring casino gambling to five cities across the state.

On a 30-26 vote, the Senate followed the lead of the House in forwarding the plan to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has warned lawmakers that he opposes a massive expansion.

The plan would bring casinos to Chicago, Rockford, Lake County, Danville and Chicago’s south suburbs.

It would allow the state’s existing horse racing tracks to offer slot machines. It also includes a provision to bring live racing back to the Quad-City Downs in East Moline for the first time since 1995.

“It has the potential to generate a lot of money for the state,” said state Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine.

But, Quinn has threatened to veto legislation that would bring slots to race tracks, saying that represents too big of an expansion. He does favor having a casino in his hometown of Chicago.

The measure also doesn’t ban campaign contributions from casino owners, a provision Quinn had demanded.

Neither the House or Senate approved the measure with a veto-proof majority, raising questions about whether the measure could survive a Quinn veto.

State Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, who sponsored the legislation, said he would run a separate bill answering the governor’s call for tougher ethical standards.

Opponents said the additional gaming positions will saturate the market

“We do not need new positions. We cannot fill the positions we currently have,” said state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora.

State Sen. Tim Bivins, a former Lee County sheriff, said additional gambling will cause bankruptcy, suicide, divorce and other societal ills.

While horse track owners support the plan, the owners of existing casinos oppose the move because it will put some tracks in direct competition with nearby casinos.

Thursday’s results shows there are enough votes in the Senate to override a Quinn veto. The House would have to find an additional four “yes” votes to override the governor.

The legislation is Senate Bill 1849.

artie, didn't even read what you wrote, I follow the papers. Spineless Quinn is not going to sign off on the gambling bills without "ETHICS"! LOLOLOLOLOL


Ethics in Illinois? LOLOLOLOL

Stupid politicians in IL. That's all they are, and the saddest part is that most seats are up for grabs, the voters have no say so. I don't believe in my heart that casinos are going to pass without ethics. Meaning, "Chicago only". They're wasting their time on the south suburbs bordering IN and they know it. They can stick 15 casinos in Cal City and it won't draw the revenue. Nor even cigs/cigars. Not a drop in their bucket to balance the budget. They ARE STUPID.

I HATE ALL POLITICIANS until they hire me with full benefits. It's called "something like Welfare, but not". They need our money, and can't wait to see them down on their luch. Except my relatives, some people I know and others, are putting their houses up for sale and moving to Costa Rica. Why? Weather is better, and keep your welfare agents in Capitol Hill. No one around to pay them is the best thing to happen to them welfare KINGS and Queens.