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Governor Blagojevich and Other Democrats Push for Gambling Expansion in Illinois

The state of Illinois would allow bookmakers and floating riverboat casinos to move their slot machines on land, under the controversial proposal by Democrat leaders who are looking for new ways to add to the state coffers.

At the center of the proposal that was unveiled last week are 4 brand new casino facilities-one to be built in Chicago, Waukegan, which is near the O'Hare International Airport and south of the suburbs.

Chicago Democrats Governor Rod Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones Jr. supported the casino proposal as they look to approve the proposal amid the incoming deadline for the state budget.

Nonetheless, the final print of the plan is raising some questions by critics at the capitol. As planned, the state would allow duly licensed bookmakers to receive horse racing wagers via telephone or Internet.

Horse racing tracks would be able to make electronic poker networks that could permit people to bet online from their own pc in their homes. Aside from that casinos could move their electronic gaming machines from the docks.

The investors in the rejected Rosemont Casino bid would gain immediate attention for the new gambling casinos and their previous losses would count as part of any bid for a casino license.

Without getting into any specific points, Blagojevich reaffirmed his support for gambling expansion if it will mean that it will finance his planned multibillion dollar health care project.

Back in 2002, he was elected on a campaign plan to prohibit gambling expansion plans. Blagojevich said that he is willing to change his views if it will mean that every citizen in the state will have health care.

Blagojevich's comments were made after over 2 hours in a closed door meeting with fellow House Democrats in an effort to bridge the budget differences adjourned before June 1, 2007 after which the Republicans gain a spot in the bargaining committee.

However, it appears that Blagojevich and the legislators are still at odds with what they should decide on the budget and how they can pay for it.

Many lawmakers do not share the health care plans, saying instead that the cash should be allocated for education. But the governor refused to change his plans, claiming that the House Democrats should make their own spending plan.

 

Tuesday, June 19 , 2007
Victor Copeland