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Illinois Gambling Proponents to Push for Casinos8 November 2004SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – As reported by the Associated Press: "Billions of dollars of new construction projects are on hold, the Chicago Transit Authority says it needs more money, and gambling proponents are proposing new casinos as the General Assembly returns this week for its fall veto session. "…[Gov. Rod Blagojevich] vetoed 31 bills from the regular session earlier this year, but they will not be the focus as the Legislature makes its annual return to consider unfinished business. "Instead, Democrats, who retained control of both legislative chambers in last week's election, likely will push a plan for more casinos – including one in Chicago – to generate revenue for Illinois' sagging budget. Chicago Democrats will be seeking tens of millions of dollars to prevent mass-transit service cuts in the city. And Blagojevich wants his delayed capital construction program approved. "…Blagojevich has in the past opposed gambling expansion as a way to generate revenue, but he recently said he was willing to consider proposals. Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, hopes to have a bill ready Monday that would authorize two to three new casinos, including one in Chicago and one in the south suburbs…" |