June 25, 2009

Gambling Action Alert

Prayers Needed for Governor & Legislators

Gambling expansion is still on the table. The Governor and Legislative leaders have not agreed on a budget; Legislators will be back in session next week. Gambling deals are worked out in back rooms and move very quickly. We call upon churches and people of faith to pray for Legislators and the Governor in your church services, church bulletins, newsletters, prayer lines, and all communication with the congregations.

The bills to legalize video poker and Internet Lottery (HB 255 and HB 2424) are still in the House, waiting for another vote. The Account Deposit Wagering bill to legalize Internet gambling on horse racing (SB 1298) passed in the House and Senate, but has not been sent to the Governor. The massive gambling expansion bill (SB 744) passed in the Senate and is being held in the House.

Now is the time to contact your State Senator and State Representative when they are in their district offices or write a Letter to the Editor to let them know that gambling harms individuals, families, and communities and should not be considered as a revenue source. Tell your Legislators that you are praying for them.

For Immediate Action

Call your State Senator and State Representative (www.ilga.gov or consult your phonebook) in their District office. Tell them gambling should not be considered as a revenue source and let them know that you are praying for them.
Call Governor Quinn (800-642-3112) to let him know you are praying for him. Ask the Governor to veto legislation to expand gambling to the Internet, video poker machines in communities, and any other gambling related legislation.
Write a Letter to the Editor for your local newspaper. Send a copy to ilcaaap@sbcglobal.net.
Ask your Church, Synagogue, or Mosque to pray for the Governor and State Legislators and to include to include a prayer request in all communication with members.
Forward to 10 others.

Sample Letter to the Editor:

Gambling is an unstable source of revenue that cannot solve the State's budget problems. During these trying economic times, when many workers have lost their jobs, it is cynical for Legislators to legalize more gambling. Making gambling more accessible in communities-Video Poker, slots at race tracks, more casinos-and in homes through Internet Lottery and Internet horse racing-will cause harm to individuals, families, and communities. I am praying for Senator ______ , Representative _______ and Governor Quinn that God will help them to do what is right.