* From a press release…
Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action
**Tuesday, August 28, 2012**
CHICAGO –August 28, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:
Bill No.: SB 1849
An Act Concerning: Gaming
Creates the Chicago Casino Development Authority and amends several other statutes to expand gaming in Illinois.
Action: Vetoed
An outright veto. No funny stuff with an AV rewrite. So, it’ll be a straight up or down override vote with no decisions about whether an amendatory veto was constitutional or not…
For months, Quinn has warned about what he views as shortcomings in the bill, saying the measure would not provide enough oversight of casino operators and other gambling interests. The Democratic governor also has said that any gambling expansion should set aside a proper amount of money for education.
The deadline to act on the proposal was today, or it would have become law automatically.
The bill lawmakers approved this spring calls for new casinos in Chicago, southern Cook County, Lake County, Rockford and Danville. It also would allow slot machines at horse racing tracks, which was a deal-breaker for the governor when lawmakers approved a similar measure last year. That bill never made it to Quinn’s desk after he threatened to veto it.
…Adding… Sneed…
The deal breaker: After thoroughly reviewing the bill, which would have created five new casinos and permitted slot machines at horse-racing tracks, Quinn “was more convinced than ever the absence of a ban on campaign contributions from gaming licences and casino managers was a deal breaker,” a top source tells Sneed.
The source added: “With two governors in jail [George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich], ethics is something Gov. Quinn is not willing to risk.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** From a press release…
OFFICIAL STATMENT FROM THE ILLINOIS REVENUE AND JOBS ALLIANCE:
“We missed an opportunity today to add 20,000 new jobs and generate more than $1 billion in one-time licensing fees and more than $200 million in new annual revenue. Despite efforts that would have satisfied the Governor’s call for tighter restrictions and additional oversight, fiscal relief for the state has now been further delayed. Our leaders in Springfield are committed to getting us back onto steady financial footing and providing more economic opportunity to Illinois residents. We’re confident that they will do what is necessary so the state can benefit from sorely needed jobs and revenue.”
- Former State Representative Bill Black, Chairman, The Illinois Revenue and Jobs Alliance
*** UPDATE 2 *** A statement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel…
“A Chicago casino would create thousands of crucial jobs for Chicagoans and provide resources that would be used to rehabilitate neighborhood schools. Chicago loses $20 million a month and countless jobs to casinos in Indiana. Those jobs should be here in Chicago, supporting the families of our tradespeople and helping the entire city’s economic future. It is the responsibility of the Governor and all leaders in Illinois to stop this outflow of dollars and jobs.
“I spoke with the Governor this morning and we agreed, it cannot take another 20 years of discussion to draft and pass a bill that will be signed into law. I will continue to work relentlessly with all parties to pass a bill that will allow a Chicago casino to be built and implemented responsibly.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Coverage roundup as of 1:30 this afternoon…
* Gov. Quinn vetoes casino bill; opponents vow override
* Mayor Clearly Upset With Quinn’s Gambling Veto
* Quinn confident gambling expansion veto will stand
* Joliet officials praise Quinn veto of gambling expansion
* Chicago Crime Commission Applauds Quinn’s Gambling Bill Veto
* Rockford casino vetoed by Pat Quinn
* Rockford area leaders disappointed in gambling veto
* Denied: Quinn Vetoes Chicago Gaming Expansio
