Illinois Funds Infrastructure Jobs Through Video Gambling
Illinois lawmakers voted today to create a $26 billion public works program, which will be paid for largely by increased gaming revenue. The new income will come from selling lottery tickets online and legalizing video gambling machines, which already operate in most neighborhoods at local taverns.
The program is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and repair and build schools, roads, bridges, and state structures. Senate passage sends the bill on to the House, where it is expected to pass easily, and on to Governor Pat Quinn, a staunch supporter.
Twelve Senators voted for the measure, but against the gambling changes, causing observers to note them for spending money they didn't wish to stoop to collecting.
A spokesman for Stop Predatory Gambling said it would bring gambling into neighborhoods, ignoring that the machines are easy to find already at bars and saloons, without contributing to social disaster.
"Iowa which has every form of gambling...they brought it in. It was there for a year and their legislature said 'get rid of it' because of the harm it was doing to citizens in these neighborhoods," said Tom Grey.
Grey is noted for being unable to offer evidence to support his statements.
