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Illinois lawmaker proposes more gaming

ILLINOIS -- As reported by the Illinois News-Democrat: "To get a long-delayed, $1 billion Mississippi River bridge and road plan approved, a key lawmaker says it's likely to need some funding help from gamblers.

"The Illinois General Assembly is considering a $24 billion program to finance big-ticket construction projects, including bridges, schools and roads.

"But there's a catch. The money to pay for these items, including the proposed Mississippi River crossing, would come from a controversial source: the biggest expansion of gambling in state history.

"As things stand for now at least, such an expansion -- which would entail the installation of thousands of new slot machines and the creation of at least three new casino licenses -- is likely the only way to finance the new bridge, according to state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee. In September, Hoffman introduced the capital projects plan.

"...But plans for a gambling expansion are already facing stiff opposition both within and outside the state's powerful casino industry..."

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