September 25, 2007

Gambling Action Alert

Massive Gambling Expansion Passed Senate

With a vote of 37 Yes to 15 No and 6 voting Present, the Senate passed HB 2035 for a land-based casino in Chicago with 4,000 gambling positions, 2 additional casinos, 6,000 new gambling positions at other casinos, and Account Deposit Wagering, which legalizes horse racing on the Internet and all electronic gambling devices (cell phone, computer, PDA, etc.).

"Whether we know it or not, gaming is a tax on poor people," said Sen. James Meeks, D-Chicago. "We devised a scheme to deliver capital at somebody else's expense," State Journal Register, Sept. 19, 2007.

"It's voodoo fiscal policy," complained one gaming critic, state Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Cicero. "You've got us all very blinded by the need to do a (construction) bill today." St. Louis Post Dispatch, Sept. 19, 2007

It is imperative that we let the Senators who voted Yes know of our concern and disappointment in their vote. This is the second gambling bill to be passed by the Senate this year, and the issue could be considered again. Letters to the editor are the best way to get the word out that a massive gambling expansion plan is not the proper way to fund state government, no matter what condition we find ourselves in. No consideration was given to the pain or cost from additional gambling.

House Republicans held a conference call yesterday to discuss the upcoming veto session according to today's Capitol Fax. "Word >from inside is there were more members than expected who said they would support 3 new casinos to fund a capital bill. House GOP Leader Tom Cross may now reassess his bargaining position. The Senate bill will have to be tweaked somewhat in the House for Cross to come on board."

Many Legislators who had opposed gambling in the past are now open to voting for the gambling expansion bill in the hopes of getting construction projects for their district.. This wishful thinking has blinded many to the harm that will be caused from expanding gambling—increased addiction, crime, family problems. Voters need to contact their State Representatives and encourage them to reject the gambling bill and protect people. Promises can be broken, but the harm from more gambling is real.

The House will reconvene on October 1, 2007. We must use this time to send a clear message to our State Representatives for NO MORE GAMBLNG. We invite you to come to Springfield on October 3 for a Rally at the Capitol Rotunda from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. to oppose gambling. Bring a bus, van, or carload from your church. We must speak out and let our voices be heard. This massive gambling expansion bill will impact everyone in the state.

For Immediate Action

  1. Use the vote from your Senator as a starting point for writing a Letter to the Editor. Express your disappointment for a Yes vote and thank him/her for a No vote. (see sample below)
  2. Contact your State Representative in their district office and tell them to Vote NO on HB 2035 and all other gambling expansion.
  3. Share this Action Alert with your Church, Synagogue or Mosque and ask people to make calls and come to Springfield for the Rally at the Capitol Rotunda on October 3 from 11 to 1:00 p.m.

Sample Letter to the Editor:

( I want to thank Senator _______ for voting against ) OR ( I was disappointed in Senator _____ for voting for ) the largest gambling expansion bill in the history of Illinois this week. The bill more than doubles the number of gambling positions and includes one or more land-based or riverboat casinos for Chicago--until a permanent land-based casino can be built--with a total of 4,000 gambling positions. The bill also includes two additional casinos and Account Deposit Wagering, which legalizes horse racing >from any electronic device (computers, cell phones, PDA) that can be used anywhere day or night.

A casino in Chicago is ripe for corruption. The Chicago casino will have a perpetual license that can never be suspended or revoked. The bill establishes the Chicago Casino Development Authority, with the authority to borrow money, make loans, acquire property, exercise eminent domain, enter into intergovernmental agreements with the State and City, issue bonds, receive and accept from any source contributions, gifts, or grants of money or property, and require the removal or relocation of any building, railroad, structure, or facility. The Authority and all of its operations and property used for public purposes are exempt from all taxation of any kind.

People will have to gamble and lose billions of dollars more each year for the state to get a fraction of the revenue. This bill will increase crime, addiction, and family problems.

Call your State Representative (217-782-2000) and Speaker Madigan (217-782-5350) and tell them to vote NO on HB 2035 and to oppose all gambling expansion.

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