June 30, 2009

Gambling Action Alert

House Releases Gambling Bill for Governor to Sign

Yesterday Rep. Lou Lang removed the motion to reconsider HB 255 so the bill could be sent to the Governor. Rep. Lang blasted the Governor for saying he would withhold signing the capital construction bill until the Legislature passed a balanced budget.

HB 255 allows borrowing for a $26 billion construction bill that includes legalization of video poker machines and Internet Lottery. This is a massive expansion of gambling in homes, neighborhoods, and on cell phones.

It is unconscionable for Legislators to legalize more gambling as leverage to borrow more money to fund "pork barrel" projects. This Legislature is out of control. Calls are needed to remind the Governor of his pledge to oppose any large-scale expansion of gambling in Illinois. This is the greatest expansion of gambling in Illinois history. Earlier this year Governor Quinn said, "The State cannot gamble itself to prosperity". Ask the Governor to keep his word to the people.

For Immediate Action

1. CALL (800-642-3112) or e-mail Gov. Quinn and ask him to keep his promise to the voters and VETO the video poker and Internet Lottery out of HB 255.
2. WRITE a Letter to the Editor and send it to your area newspapers.
3. SHARE this Alert with your Church, Synagogue, or Mosque and ask everyone to contact the Governor and PRAY.
4. FORWARD to 10 others.

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