October 29, 2007

Gambling Action Alert

During a Sunday meeting with House Republican leader Tom Cross and others, Speaker Michael Madigan outlined his ideas for a gambling expansion bill that includes a Chicago-owned casino with 4,000 positions, one additional casino, 3,500 new gambling positions for existing casinos, and 3,500 slots for racetracks, according to today's Capitol Fax.

Speaker Madigan held a press conference this afternoon to outline reforms that he wants implemented before he will sign on to any casino expansion. The Speaker wants an independent Gaming Board funded by the casinos and tougher ethics standards.

Crane's Chicago Business reported today that gambling expansion has become linked to an increase in aid to the CTA, with Republicans saying they will not supply the needed votes on a plan to help the CTA, Metra and Pace without passage of an infrastructure package that likely would have to be funded with more gambling. That could mean that Speaker Madigan and House Republican leader Tom Cross have an understanding in which some Republicans will vote for the CTA bill and the Speaker will allow the gambling and infrastructure bill that Rep. Cross wants to be called for a vote.

For Immediate Action

1. The House will be in Session on Thursday. Call your State Representative (271-782-2000) and ask him/her to OPPOSE all gambling expansion bills. If your Representative voted to ban casino gambling (HB 1920), include this in your message (see list below).
2. Share this Alert with your Church, Synagogue, or Mosque.
3. Forward to 10 others.

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