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Casinos Still Touted for Illinois' Budget Woes

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – As reported by the Associated Press: "As state budget gridlock drives the legislative session into overtime, lawmakers still have other important items remaining on their agenda.

"…Now the next deadline is June 30 -- the new budget year starts July 1 -- and legislators are on call to come back and finish business on quick notice. Republicans have a greater say because all legislation now needs three-fifths majority votes for approval. It only required majority approval before June 1.

"…Solving a massive budget deficit with an influx of at least $1.8 billion in new gambling money is still a possibility, Sen. Denny Jacobs said. The East Moline Democrat is pushing a plan to sell four new casino licenses -- including one for a megacasino in Chicago -- and put thousands of new gaming positions at riverboat casinos and horse racing tracks.

"…Other legislators say they're skeptical any gambling expansion measure can get enough support, especially in an election year and given Gov. Rod Blagojevich's opposition to a Chicago casino…"

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