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Illinois Governor's Plans Met with Skepticism

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – As reported by the South Illinoisan: "Lawmakers expressed surprise and skepticism Wednesday about Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to bankroll a $500 million school construction program with proceeds from a new lottery game.

"On their first day back in the Capitol after a two-month break, Republicans and Democrats said the governor appears to be breaking an earlier pledge to not expand gambling by adding keno to the lottery's selection of games.

"…The governor says he has the authority to begin offering the game without approval from lawmakers. A spokeswoman said the move is not an expansion of gambling, nor does it break any pledge he made about bringing video-based gambling to the state.

"…Under the governor's proposal, the state would receive an estimated $40 million this year and $80 million in future years from keno to help pay for bonds that would fund the school construction program.

"…Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, said Republican senators are leery of the proposal…"

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