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Illinois Black Caucus Ends Gambling Expansion Talks

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – As reported by the Daily Southtown: "Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus claimed victory Thursday in yanking from the negotiating table discussions of expanded gambling to boost revenue for schools.

"Democratic leaders announced Wednesday a stalemate over several gambling proposals, including adding more slot machines to existing casinos or allowing horse racing tracks to install slots. Supporters of expanded gambling wanted the additional revenue to go to schools.

"But House Speaker Michael Madigan indicated only a dozen Democrats in the House would support a gambling bill, and many observers assumed Chicago Democrats were following Mayor Richard Daley's lead: Unless a Chicago casino was on the table, lawmakers from the city wouldn't support an expanded gaming bill.

"The speculation was all wrong, according to state Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago), chairman of the joint black caucus. The reason the votes aren't there on gaming is because the caucus decided last week it would not support another Band-Aid approach to school funding…"

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