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Fresh end of session thread. *** Lottery bill dies in House committee *** House kills gaming bill with parliamentary maneuver ***
Saturday, May 31, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller * 6:08 pm - Reports from inside that Speaker Madigan would run a different, scaled back capital plan and tell the Senate to take it or leave it were denied by Madigan’s spokesman. The Senate-passed version has language that requires all the funding and spending bills to pass or nothing takes effect. So some expect Madigan may choose the weakest part of the package, let it die and then declare all of it dead. The weakest link is most likely the gaming bill. The other option, of course, is to call no capital bills and adjourn. * 6:32 pm - Sen Hendon just announced that the Rules Committee would meet for the final time and then the Senate would run the bills and adjourn. * 7:00 pm - . Gov Blagojevich is reportedly coming to the House floor soon to make a last ditch push for the capital plan. The House GOP and Rep Jay Hoffman are angrily demanding that the capital plan be brought to the floor. The House Rules Comitye is meeting soon so we’ll know more soon. * 7:11 pm - Blagojevich just arrived on the House floor. * 7:18 pm - The guv has been on the floor for several minutes but has not yet been officially recognized. Never seen anything like that. * 7:28 pm - The Senate adjourned a while ago and the guv was finally introduced in the House. House will hear capital bills in committee soon. *** 8:10 pm *** The House Revenue Committee just killed the Lottery sale bill. Since all capital bills are tied together it appears the game is probably over except for much shouting. * 8:37 p.m.- The House Gaming Committee just approved the gaming expansion bill 17-11, not that it really matters. The next likely step will be for Capital Bill proponents to make a motion to discharge the lottery sale bill. If the motion fails, then there will likely be a motion to overrule the chair. That may lead to some interesting parliamentary procedure. * 9:02 p.m. - There is a motion to table the motion to concur on the Senate’s amendments to the gaming bill. If it prevails this would essentially kill the bill. * 9:40 p.m. - The motion to table was ruled passed with 59 votes. The motion to concur with the Senate’s gaming expansion amendments is now effectively dead. 14 House Republicans sided with Madigan on the motion to table. All are anti-gambling or are politically vulnerable.
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- make it end - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 6:28 pm:
It sounds like the Senate is almost done.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 6:30 pm:
RICH, I AM WONDERING IF THEY WILL VOTE TONIGHT OR NOT? THIS CAPITAL PLAN AND HB4194 IS A BIG DEAL TO ME AND I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHATS GOING ON RIGHT NOW IN THE CHAMBER? ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT! THANKS, BOOGIE
- Rich Miller - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 6:37 pm:
Please don’t use all caps.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 6:45 pm:
ok, i am very sorry for that. please forgive me. i was not intending to yell. just curious whats going on.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 6:52 pm:
Sounds like this sucker is going to end with a whimper and not a Bang. Rich, when do we get the Bang?
- problem - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:00 pm:
Go Tom, go jay!
- Muskrat - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:03 pm:
Is he bringing Harold Ickes with him? I’ve been watching MSNBC/CSPAN all day and he made sure the Clinton camp went out on an angry note…. and a ridiculous one. He harped on the “hijacking” of four — count ‘em, four! — delegates. That’s not going to have much resonance once Obama’s total is 75-100 (or more) over the magic number. But it’s been a heck of a day for politics junkies, between GA news and the Teevee….
- Sprint Speed! - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:06 pm:
Hoffman Cross 2008!
- make it end - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:07 pm:
Senate’s on resolutions…. they’re almost out the door.
Now if the House could get things moving…
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:07 pm:
It would be nice if jobs in the state could be created without the use of state money to do it. The capital plan is not a “jobs” bill, it’s a welfare bill, with no return on investment.
- make it end - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:10 pm:
I don’t want to get into the fray here, but new schools, roads and bridges are an excellent investment for the state of Illinois.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:13 pm:
So, guv will make a personal appearance to beg for 33 Billion in non specific funding. Then turn around and be very selective in how he dolls it out. Are they really dumb enough to fall for that yet again? Mr. Not Trustworthy should stay safe in his office. There are as many legislators in the House as he was afraid to be with during the tornado “scare”.
- make it end - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:15 pm:
Emil is wrapping thigs up.
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:19 pm:
why does jack franks have a “pledge for president 2008″ sign on his desk in full view of the video? Is it appropriate to have political activity on the floor of the house? I’m not suggesting that this is inappropriate. This is a genuine question as to how the ethics applies here.
If it is appropriate, its time for Jack to let go. Hillary is done in 2008 — its Barack time!
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:21 pm:
how is the capital bill not a jobs bill? the constructions jobs alone is down right an economy booster.
- problem - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:21 pm:
Excuses… Excuses…
Can someone tell me how long any house dem member has met regarding a capital bill on their own in the last year, no, year and a half?
Maybe that’s what our distinguished springfield reporters should be asking.
- Arthur Andersen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:25 pm:
Ken Dunkin unscripted is a sight to behold.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:25 pm:
Rich . . . has not yet been officially recognized. . . . - Is he in his Elvis costume? Or Hannah Montana?
- steve schnorf - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:26 pm:
Great drama, no one knowing what’s going to happen.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:28 pm:
this is true steve. but the question is, why is it that the house waits till the last day and last minute to get a major deal done? budget, capital plan…etc….
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:29 pm:
I love that when the gov arrives on the house floor, the speaker shows up. its as if he thinks the governor will take over his chamber! hilarious!
- Arthur Andersen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:29 pm:
Dunkin: “a bird in the hand is worth more than a bush”
Over to Rich for the report on Molaro’s intro of Blago.
- Anonymous - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:32 pm:
Rich,
Please tell me that you got a photo of Rod and Fritchey talking on the House floor. I would pay big $$ to have heard that conversation.
- steve schnorf - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:32 pm:
boogie, I was being just a little facetious
- make it end - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:35 pm:
Dunkin learned that saying from his colleage in “Peking”. That’s Pekin, Ken, Pekin
- Arthur Andersen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:42 pm:
AA enjoyed the Speaker death stare Molaro got after his collegial intros of Rod and the Senators.
- Felix the Cat - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:49 pm:
Whenever he gets in a fix, he reaches into his bag of tricks.
Why would they bother with House Amendment # 3; to House Bill 2650 at this time, unless they intended to use it?
- Felix the Cat - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:51 pm:
Why also, would Rules only approve for consideration Senate Amendments 1 & 6 to House Bill 2650?
Answer; because Senate Amendment # 3, is what makes up the subnstance of House Bill 2650, and if they do not concur with it, then that Bill becomes meaningless.
The Senate will have to look to House Bill 2651; some time in November I suspect.
- CF Fan - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 7:52 pm:
The sign on Franks’ desk said “Blago for president 2008″ and not “pledge for president”
- thurber - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:05 pm:
anybody else having trouble with the house audio feed?
- make it end - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:10 pm:
they’re in committees
- problem - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:12 pm:
Madigan kills the capital bill.
He can’t escape it now.
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:13 pm:
“It’s OUR money! Let’s spend it on what WE want!” (with apologies to J.G. Wentworth)
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:14 pm:
is there still a chance they can get some part of the bill done after failing the lottery part?
- Felix the Cat - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:15 pm:
Problem
No problem really; it’s not dead, its simply being “improved”.
Think of it along the lines of an Amendatory Veto.
- this is stupid - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:17 pm:
Rich can you publish who voted to kill the bill?
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:17 pm:
The lottery bill was Granburg’s. Looks like a payback from the Speaker.
- walter sobchak - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:22 pm:
If Madigan killed the capital bill it may be because the language of the lottery privatization legislation created more bureaucracy in running it than exists now. Including a ‘Board’ that had the power to approve any contract over $50K. There aren’t many private businesses that would pay $10 billion for the privilege of having everything they do be subject to this Governor’s patronage office.
- --Anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:22 pm:
The shouting is my favorite part. Long live Bill Black!
- jj - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:24 pm:
Madigan killed it because he doesn’t want a capital bill, plain and simple.
That’s why he had a big grin in the hall when they told him.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:25 pm:
and the people of illinois will shout loudly come election time!
- pro - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:30 pm:
Mcguire
Curry
Bradley
And Biggins
All voted NO.
Hannig chickened out and voted present.
And then Art Turner took a walk (checked in but walked out before the vote).
Wow! The courage of those members!
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:33 pm:
The lottery was the weakest link. Leasing a state asset has not had loads of support outside the Governor’s office despite the solidairty we saw a few days ago at the press event with the Governor, The President, and the House Minority Leader. Plus the Revenue Committee is filled with the Speaker’s closest allies. Somehow, all this seems to have been orchestrated. Those senate amendments that hinged the passage of all those bills to make any one of them take effect upon becoming law was really an open door. Most statehouse veterans know how terribly hard it is to pass just one bill, let alone make a controversial bill’s effectiveness depend on the passage of four other time bombs. The Speaker may take the heat, but I bet Frank Watson is wiping his brow.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:36 pm:
so, are they still working towards a part of the bill or is it really done?
- Capital Bill - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:39 pm:
Leasing a state asset for less than 25 cents on the dollar does not seem like a wise investment. Plus Senate staff admits their bill shifted an extra $2 billion away from capital. Opps.
- DumberThanYou Think - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:42 pm:
OMG why did the TC leave Biggins on Revenue Committee? Everyone knows he is antigambling.
Tsk Tsk.
Not the kind of mistake Tristano would make.
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:48 pm:
With all this angst over so many tenuous revenue sources, why is an income tax increase so hard to introduce? I guess it is the “starvation” theory at work, but it seems that a much stronger coalition could be built, and could have been built at least a year or two ago, for an income tax hike than for the kind stuff we have been offered.
- HANAL - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:50 pm:
anon (above) got it right: “Somehow, all this seems to have been orchestrated. Those senate amendments that hinged the passage of all those bills to make any one of them take effect upon becoming law was really an open door. Most statehouse veterans know how terribly hard it is to pass just one bill, let alone make a controversial bill’s effectiveness depend on the passage of four other time bombs.” This was a “Catch 22″. Point the finger at that draftsman — who had to know it would never work.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:52 pm:
So I surmise in conclusion, Emil and guv are losers and MM and the citizens win, shucks, I saw this coming. Tell me again, why did guv go to the House Floor?
- jj - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:52 pm:
Sorry - I guess I went against the rules.
These are serious questions:
What did Madigan have to do to get Turner to take a walk?
And did Leader Curry really say she voted against the Lottery bill because it would lead to “selling lottery tickets in adult bookstores and sex clubs”?
We can all do better. Yes we can! Right Dems?
- Anonymous - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:57 pm:
Watch what’s about to happen to the gaming bill
- Bookworm - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:10 pm:
Nice plug for Cap Fax there
- Levois - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:10 pm:
I wonder why the Lottery leasing plan gets a lot of grief?
- Bob Bobson - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:14 pm:
Jack Franks looks soooo cool behind Rep. Hoffman, like a silver hair Fonzie.
- anon - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:21 pm:
this is so sad. its sad that the the real nature of these mushrooms is not more apparent to their constituents. very sad.
- bud - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:31 pm:
I think I saw Madigan tear up when Cross finished his speech.
- Mr. Smith - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:33 pm:
The public has no clue about the show that takes place in both chambers. This is not representation.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:34 pm:
must have been inspiring..
- jj - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:44 pm:
Congrats to the Democrats and Speaker Madigan for killing the capital bill!
- steve schnorf - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:44 pm:
This is absolutely representation. Most of the people involved have been sent back by us time and time again. We get exactly the government we want.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:45 pm:
ok now will this bring up hb4194? that is the best gaming bill on the table i think.
- There he goes again - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:46 pm:
The capital bill would have generated something like $8 billion in GRF funds to the state over the next five years. In addition it would have revived the state’s economy. The House has failed in its responsibility to provide leadership. There is no excuse for this inaction.
This not only hurts regions like the Quad Cities but every region in the state. Shame on the House.
- Champaign Mike - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:46 pm:
- jj - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 8:52 pm:
Sorry - I guess I went against the rules.
These are serious questions:
What did Madigan have to do to get Turner to take a walk?
And did Leader Curry really say she voted against the Lottery bill because it would lead to “selling lottery tickets in adult bookstores and sex clubs”?
We can all do better. Yes we can! Right Dems?
jj you’re not sounding like a sore loser are you?? You know that that is a sign of weakness! lol
- jj - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:49 pm:
Haha Champaign Mike. That’s funny.
The House Dems just handed their opponents the biggest gift in years.
- Skirmisher - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 9:57 pm:
Mr. Schnorf says we have the government we want. I prefer to say Illinois has the government it has coming to it. In any case, it is beyond time for these scoundrels to be gone. While they have done the people little good, neither have they done us much harm by their failure to do anything of note other than give themselves another fat raise. I think we should be grateful that it wasn’t much worse than that.
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:03 pm:
it is much worse than that. think of all the money that is lost to surrounding states to gambling alone. let alone all the dollars that will not be spent in illinois because of a severe persistance to play games instead of doing what the people want. what a shame this house is! wow! hurry up election day!
- Champaign Mike - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:06 pm:
Skir, I agree. I think the first two we should get rid of are Cross and Watson.
- Arthur Andersen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:18 pm:
That HB 4194 was a swell bill. Along with continuing to allow Harrah’s and the Pritzkers to pay pocket change for their casino licenses, that excellent bill allowed the new Gaming Bureaucracy to hire its own Casino Cops independent of the State Police (didn’t they learn with the CMS Police?) and would have allowed retired State Employees to be members of the Gaming Board and draw a circuit judge’s pay for a part time job while keeping their pension.
Hmmm, one Gaming Board spot is required to be a “CPA..experienced in structuring complex transactions..”
OK, let’s see, who would be one of those, involved in drafting this bill, and soon to be retired, one way or the other?
This is easy.
- jwscott72 - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:31 pm:
Did everyone go to sleep? There’s still an hour and half left! LOL
- Felix the Cat - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:35 pm:
Felix the Cat
The Wondeful Wonderful Cat
Whenever he gets in a fix
he reaches into his bag of trix
Felix the the cat
The wonderful wonderful cat
You’ll laugh so hard your sides will ache
your heart will go pitter pat
That’s Felix, he’s the wonderful cat
- Napoleon has left the building - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:38 pm:
In it’s 10pm news story ABC7 Chicago just had a great video of the Governor on the floor, one of the House Dems refused to shake his hand. I’m not sure, but I think it was Lisa Dugan. Apologies to Rep. Dugan if I am wrong on that one.
Great video, reporter Paul Mienke made a vague reference to it in his story.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:39 pm:
Has guv issued a statement yet about how all in all this has been an up day?
- capitol bill - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:39 pm:
Without a capitol bill, we lose jobs, we keep financing our future and no olympics in Chicago. Does the House need a bridge collapse to fall on them to know the importance of this bill for our state. How disappointing again!!!
- boogie - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:40 pm:
i am waiting around to see if they call another gaming bill to the floor.
- bud - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:46 pm:
capitol = building
capital = what you’re referring to
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:47 pm:
- boogie -
They are all over at Boone’s shooting craps.
- Downstate - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:48 pm:
Madigan can expect no help from downstate in 2010 after this stunt. We may not matter much but in a primary we sure do.
- Anonymous - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:50 pm:
boogie - what is the status of HB4194? Will they call that bill for a vote?
- Pot calling kettle - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:50 pm:
It’s a combo: First, a lack of real leaders who will tell the voters they cannot have a capital bill unless they are willing to pay for it with higher taxes. The smoke and mirrors gaming and lottery sales proposals were losers in the long-term and I think (hope) most of the readers of this blog know that. The second part of the tragic combo is the voters who cannot handle the truth. You cannot have something (capital projects) for nothing. It will take new TAX revenue (or a willingness to give up a serious chunk of spending) to pay for the capital bill. Typically we voters toss out the silly pols who make us pay for what we get.
- Next Week - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:54 pm:
I guess I should make my reservations for next week.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 10:58 pm:
I tried calling Rich but he was tied up on the other line ordering Tee Shirts!
- PalosParkBob - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:02 pm:
Does anyone know what exactly is in this $34 Billion capital bill?
To sensible people, it would seem that separating the “matching Federal funds” portion of the bill would be something on which all can agree, then fight about the “pork” work in a separate capital bill.
It’s reprehensible that the Legislature is raiding the state motor fuel funds to the tune of $650 million per year, money that could have provided matching funds to create good paying jobs and boost the economy while improving the safety of citizens, while construction costs have escalated by over 20% since the 2005 Fed capital bill made OUR Federal motor fuel funds available to come back to our state.
There are no “heroes” in Springfield. Both parties have set the bar so low for putting the good of the state above their petty egos that we should throw all the rascals out when they slink back to their districts after this session.
Sadly, when someone is seriously injured or killed due to a failing bridge or massive pothole, I hope the press holds those clowns in Springfield accountable as they deserve.
- Napoleon has left the building - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:17 pm:
Can a House member please tell us the Veto calendar? Thank you!
- Governor Hamos - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:17 pm:
Can’t believe Rep. Hamos got up and crapped all over a fellow member (Naomi). I also can’t believe she got up and challenged Madigan. Very classless.
- Truth - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:25 pm:
Maybe if the Governor calls a special session he can get a construction bill. Or not.
Whoever the next Governor is will have a large construction bill to pass.
I thought Rep. Hoffman could have used a pacifier tonight.
- There he goes again - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:26 pm:
A capital bill is the investment in the economy we need to steer out of recession. A capital bill would generate up to $5-6 billion in revenue over the next five years — revenues that would go to GRF. A capital bill would require revenue to fund on the front end, but would generate lots of revenue once implemented. A capital bill is what Illinois needs to move forward.
There was very little forward thinking in the Illinois House by its inability to pass a capital bill.
More missed opportunities for the state of Illinois. It truly is time for new leadership.
- That's All She Wrote - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:30 pm:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll get your pint mug !
And surely I’ll get mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll get your pint mug !
And surely I’ll get mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
We two have run about the hills,
and pulled the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll get your pint mug !
And surely I’ll get mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll get your pint mug !
And surely I’ll get mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-friendly draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll get your pint mug !
And surely I’ll get mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
- JONAS - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:33 pm:
All blame lies with the speaker but until the unions stand up for themselves and their members nothing will change. This was not only a loss for the state of illinois - it was a loss for the labor movement. If they cant even get a jobs bill passed through a dem house then what does that say about their worth.
The House dems are nothing but mushrooms. I see that now.
- Next Week - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:43 pm:
Veto Session posted on House Calendar
11/12-14 and 11/19-21. Hope this helps.
- Pot calling kettle - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:44 pm:
I’m glad the Speaker isn’t willing to sell the Lottery or try to pay for important projects with gaming. I just wish he would stand up and say we need to pay more taxes (sales and income) if we want capital projects and a balanced budget.
This game is aimed at forcing us (the voters) to see the need for a solid, reliable revenue stream. The gaming drug is all but played out.
- A Citizen - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:46 pm:
If you must persist in laying blame then put it on the foundation stone of trustworthiness. It is severely lacking in guv and Emil as so well proven last year and at other times. If Trust existed there would be the much needed capital bill. MM was right to reject doing business with those you can’t trust . . . with 33 Billion dollars yet!
- prowler - Saturday, May 31, 08 @ 11:58 pm:
has the house adjourned, or are they waiting to do a 2 am deal?
- boogie - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 12:04 am:
please take a second and think about the 40,000 plus jobs associated with horseracing in illinois. over the last several years, the industry has been in steady decline. we have lost top drivers and jockeys, as well as trainers owners and vets..
with the most outdated, ridiculous bill of the new millenium,recapture, has ruined racing and will completely put horseracing under. i support hb4194 or similar legislation. i certainly hope the state could look into taking over horseracing in illinois. like new jersey does currently. if the state has the money to buy wrigley field, they have the money to take over horseracing. but as of right now, the last 3 years at least, the horse people have been waiting for some kind of relief and have gotten nothing. what is the problem? is legislature trying to get rid of us? somebody please fill me in. please!
- Bookworm - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 12:07 am:
They’re outta here, Prowler, until Nov. 12.
- Bookworm - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 12:12 am:
Hopefully Blago won’t decide to “balance” this budget by zeroing out the entire approps of certain agencies he doesn’t like.
- capitol bill - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 6:09 am:
It seems like the house dems have an agenda of their own - do nothing. They have accomplished that.
- Vote Quimby! - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 7:06 am:
==if the state has the money to buy wrigley field, they have the money to take over horseracing. but as of right now, the last 3 years at least, the horse people have been waiting for some kind of relief and have gotten nothing. what is the problem?==
People don’t care about horse racing now that there are other forms of legal gambling. THATS the problem (or at least the issue). Jim Edgar’s not in office anymore…..time to wake up & smell the coffee!
- left of here - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 8:01 am:
I thought Rep. Hoffman showed great passion and leadership…he knows how much a Cap Bill is needed to help out working folks. He deserves some credit for going against “Little Mad Mike”, that takes stones.
- From the Sidelines - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 10:20 am:
As stated previously, it is a capital bill not a capitol bill. The two words do have different meanings.
Second, you can’t spend money that you don’t have. A short term action to get a lump sum of money at a huge loss of future revenue does nothing to help the state out of its long term financial crisis. I truely feel for the skilled tradesmen of the state and for the districts that need the products of their labor, but the fact remains that the state is in the middle of a financial crisis. When a capital bill is passed an approriate revenue generating mechanism “tax” must also be approved. The state has long term financial obligations and cannot continue to borrow from or otherwise divert the future revenues needed to fullfill those obligations.
- DuPage Dave - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 10:36 am:
Horseracing is dead as an industry, and generates little income for the state. The casino industry is stalled and revenue is flat. When the gamblers were told they couldn’t smoke and gamble at the same time, they started staying home. Despite the introduction of new games, revenues for the Lottery are leveling off.
The idea that a state should use gambling as one source of revenue is OK, but we need to be realistic and acknowledge that the “gambling population” is limited and that revenues will not continue to rise.
For all those denouncing Madigan- when was the capital bill introduced, by whom, and how much public debate was there on the bill’s merits?? If it was such a great idea and worthy of support, why was it such a last-minute deal?
- Bookworm - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 2:17 pm:
Just had to put this thread in the Century Club
- DonaldD - Sunday, Jun 1, 08 @ 5:57 pm:
I cannot wait to work for House Repubs this summer. That will be a first for me and many others.
One good thing for Cross is that so many labor folks are unemployed, there will be plenty of time to donate. Madigan’s little revenge scheme will not help his members and the cowards who have taken money from labor deserve to be shut out.