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Illinois Lawmakers Cash in on Gambling Money

31 May 2004

CHICAGO, Illinois – As reported by the Associated Press: "A major expansion of gambling being debated in the Legislature comes after a year in which casinos and racetracks funneled thousands of campaign dollars to lawmakers -- at least $182,690 to the four top leaders alone.

"Scores of other members of the General Assembly have filed campaign reports since January 2003 listing donations ranging from a few dollars to $10,000 from riverboat casinos and tracks that would benefit from the plan.

"…More than $9.6 million in gambling industry contributions have flooded into the campaign coffers of Illinois lawmakers the last decade -- $3.5 million of that since January 2001 -- according to [University of Illinois-Springfield political scientist Kent] Redfield.

"…Despite the interest among lawmakers, who say a proposed gambling expansion plan could bring the state $1.8 billion to help close a $2.3 billion deficit, public support is low.

"…As initially drawn up, the 186-page gambling expansion bill sponsored by Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, would create four new casinos, give the casinos a tax break, allow them to expand the number of gambling positions and let racetracks install slot It would give Chicago Mayor Richard Daley the land-based casino he wants. The new boats would be located in Rockford, Waukegan and an unspecified site in Chicago's south suburbs…"

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