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Illinois Votes to Abolish Casinos

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times: "Aiming at an industry that is 'broke,' House Democrats voted overwhelmingly Thursday to abolish casino gambling -- a move that could end talk of gambling expansion and bolster the political fortunes of socially conservative, Downstate Democrats.

"The surprise development came on a busy legislative day that also featured a defeat for Gov. Blagojevich on gun legislation, but victory for him with final passage of his children's health insurance plan.

"The plan to dismantle the state's casino industry passed the House 67-42. It likely will be blocked by the Senate, where Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), an ardent supporter of new casinos, branded the proposal "irresponsible."

"House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who played a key role in allowing a House vote, said riverboat gambling as an Illinois institution is 'broke' and needs retooling.

"…Madigan also said if the proposal passes the Senate and is signed by Blagojevich, any new attempt to authorize casino gambling should involve auctioning off casino licenses 'to ensure maximum benefit to the people of Illinois.'

"Jones, who has openly and repeatedly advocated casino expansion as a way to fill empty state coffers, quickly expressed his disdain for the House vote, which he said could cost public education dearly…"

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