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* 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
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:18 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Really? It took him this long to do what we all knew he was going to do anyway?
Comment by tubbfan Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:20 am
This was purely a move to protect the existing casino boat investors. What a hypocrite.
Comment by Because I say so... Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:23 am
Rich,
Was the $800M or so revenue projected by this bill spent in the budget this year. In other words, does spending have to be cut by this amount?
Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:24 am
So much for his concerns about Illinois economic development and jobs.
Comment by Cassiopeia Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:28 am
the Rhamfather isn’t going to like this…
Comment by Rudykzooti Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:35 am
Well, that was no fun.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:35 am
@Cincy. No, money wasn’t spent.
Comment by Sale Fan Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:42 am
This is an Irish message … Gaming legislation sleeps with the fishes.
This is when Rahm goes to the Mattresses…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:44 am
The proponents of the gambling bill apparently did not lobby sufficiently to get the bill signed. The Governor has said he wanted campaign contributions from gaming interests banned in a gaming bill. This bill did not include such a ban. It seems to me that if the gaming interests were really intent on getting slots at tracks and more casinos and the Governor’s signature on the bill, the bill would have contained language on campaign contribution bans. Maybe the gaming interests were using the Governor’s playbook on lobbying for pension reform.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:49 am
“Hello.”
“Rahm for Pat.”
“One moment.”
“Hello”
“You $#%&^ did it.”
“Rahm…”
“You #$%^@& did it, and now I have to do what I need to do. Just to refresh your memory, I am the #$*& Mayor of Chicago, I -”
“And I am the Governor of Illinois. Learn your civics. As governor …”
“Today. You are governor… Today”
(Hang up)
“Well, that went better than I thought.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:51 am
One can also interpret the delay as giving the legislature time to fix what he publicly complained about.
No fix, you get a veto. Good for PQ. Simply too much expansion at one time.
Now if the legislature brings forward a Chicago only casino with no racino or other twaddle I bet ;’) it moves forward
Comment by Plutocrat03 Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:52 am
And cements the feelings downstate that he truly can give to shakes about them besides to stand in front of a corn field once in a while.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:54 am
Quinn didn’t want to risk being tempted?
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:02 am
A constant post on almost every thread on this blog is the excessive ridiculous corruption in this state’s politics.
Probably the biggest step we could take to clean this mess up would be to make it illegal for any entity that is regulated, licensed or does business with the state to contribute to political campaigns. Yes; I know that will never happen in my lifetime, but one can dream.
I am happy to see we finally have a Governor who seems to realize that people granted licenses to make billions should not be able to spend millions to get their biddings done by elected officials.
Comment by Bongofury Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:04 am
Pat did a courageous political act! He kept his word.
It is good to know in a corrupt city and state that ethics can still exist.
Doug dobmeyer
Comment by Doug Dobmneyer Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:06 am
You either want the extra revenue or you don’t. You can’t have it both ways and apparently, PQ would rather raise taxes, close facilities and lay off union employees than expand gaming. At least he has his priorities straight.
Comment by Jaded Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:06 am
– This is when Rahm goes to the mattresses –
Cool line O’Willy. triple entendre?
Comment by walkinfool Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:07 am
===illegal for any entity that is regulated, licensed or does business with the state===
So, what about people who have driver’s licenses?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:10 am
Gambling expansion is inevitable; this delay makes sense politically. My bet is that support for gambling expansion will be part of the bargaining for votes for pension funding changes. Passing a pension bill in the coming year is probably essential if Democrats are to keep the governors office in 2014. They cannot afford to neglect any possible source of leverage in the coming pension battle. Gambling expansion is a big lever with some members.
Comment by east central Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:10 am
It is thoroughly disingenuous for Quinn to claim he wants a ban on contributions in the bill, when he knows ( or should know) that courts have repeatedly said that it is not constitutional to prohibit any particular entity from giving to political campaigns. It’s a free speech issue. So, that’s not the real reason.
The question then becomes, what is the real reason?
Comment by TwoFeetThick Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:16 am
The source added: “With two governors in jail [George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich], ethics is something Gov. Quinn is not willing to risk.”
Oh please, this is one of the funniest statements I’ve ever read, after all the back stabbing/broken promises made by Gov. Quinn to State workers, he should choke every time he even utters the word ethics!! What a hypocrite! If he was at least honest about what he is doing, I could respect that, but then this is Illinois politics where morals/doing the right thing doesn’t seem to be part of the equation.
Comment by Huggybunny Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:19 am
He probably sat on it so his special session on pensions wouldn’t be clouded by a veto. If so, didn’t work very well.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:23 am
“So, what about people who have driver’s licenses?”
As a lobbyist for the bicycle industry I contend they should not have a vote.
Comment by Bongofury Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:25 am
walkinfool,
I take NO credit. I Leave it to “The Godfather” to help when I know I can’t top it, which is too often to mention….
Thanks thou!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:26 am
–The question then becomes, what is the real reason?–
It’s just a coincidence that big donors to Quinn happen to own existing riverboats in Elgin (Pritzkers) and Des Plaines (Neil Bluhm) that would lose money from more competition.
Just a coincidence.
Comment by Thoughtless Penny Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:28 am
==It’s just a coincidence that big donors to Quinn happen to own existing riverboats in Elgin (Pritzkers) and Des Plaines (Neil Bluhm) that would lose money from more competition.==
Good point. It would have been funny to see him hit the other side by amendatory vetoing solely the expansion of gaming at race tracks (Duchossois). You’d think at some point (perhaps during next year’s budget talks) that there’d be enough of a pro-gaming expansion coalition to override his veto, with the extra revenue allowing for fewer future cuts to Medicaid/education/prisons/other.
Comment by Robert the Bruce (formerly just Robert) Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:38 am
It is funny the Deal Breaker was no ban on campaign contributions, but consistantly Com Ed and other interest groups (See Chicago Civic Committee) has flooded campaign coffers with big $$ to get what they want. Why doesn’t Quinn want to put a limit on that?
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:40 am
=== It’s just a coincidence that big donors to Quinn happen to own existing riverboats in Elgin (Pritzkers) and Des Plaines (Neil Bluhm) that would lose money from more competition.===
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Not so loud. We both know that’s not the real reason. We don’t want to give anyone any ideas.
Comment by TwoFeetThick Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:40 am
You really want to test this court system with more bans and restrictions on campaign giving? Be careful what you wish for these days. It’s a rough post-Citizens United world we live in.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:48 am
===It’s just a coincidence that big donors to Quinn happen to own existing riverboats in Elgin (Pritzkers) and Des Plaines (Neil Bluhm) that would lose money from more competition.===
And you would think that if he truly sincere about a campaign contribution ban he would simply stop taking contributions from these entities. And maybe even return those hundreds of thousands of dollars that he has already received.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:05 am
Governor Quinn you are not a leader! If you were all you had to do was to include to the bill no campaign contributions to any house, senate, or political member from any one associated with gambling but wait that would mean that you wouldn’t be able to accept any money either so this was one way around it for you saving your campaign contributions from the big casino owners! I am partly to blame for voting for you and allowing you in this position to hurt so many people from this great state that were hoping to save their jobs or get one of the jobs that were to be created with the passage of this bill. Gov. you have no idea how many people you have hurt from this decision! People that have worked in the horse racing industry, including drivers, jockeys, blacksmiths, vets, tellers, security, concessions, waiters , waitresses, feed companies, breeders, program sellers, etc. should I go on! It seems lately you like to do away with jobs instead of saving or creating jobs! Gov. you are not for the people of this great state your are totally against them! We have a chance for once to create revenue for this state but No because of your selfishness it won’t happen! You are now going to hurt so many ag programs that would have been helped by this bill passage along with soil conservation programs and educational ag programs in our counties! Gov. I can’t list all the people that you will effect with this terrible decision. We just had an outstanding fair and I understood that it would receive money for repairs to roads, building, and infrastructure but now that won’t happen because of you! I really don’t know how you can sleep at night now! You are the worst Governor I have seen in my lifetime! I will never vote for you again! I urge all voters to never vote for you again! This is coming from a strong democrat! I could see big increases with the addition of the Chicago casino that would help reduce our debt but no you are not for it! You are just for cutting jobs and making this the worst state in our country! The thing about this is I have no ties to the horse racing industry or casino industry, I am just an average citizen who you wanted to hear from for over a year to give you in put from the people of this state. I have called your office 3-5 times a week for over a year to speak with you concerning this bill and your office would never allow me the opportunity! Over a year! 3-5 times a week! That is plain terrible! Wake up Gov.! Start caring about the people and save and create jobs for them! IT’s The Economy Stupid! Why can’t you understand that! Now this is a message to the senators and representatives! Lets override this veto and finally have some backbone to this Governor for once and show him that you do care for the people of this great state and would like to save and create jobs! Its time to work together as Republicans and Democrats and pass this bill for once and for all the people of Chicago, Rockford, Danville and central and southern Illinois! I hope you will have the courage to reverse this terrible decision of the Governor! Or are you like him and just want to raise our taxes for ever to pay for this mess! OVERRIDE THE VETO!
Comment by Coach59 Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:18 am
He’s spineless. This veto is dripping with irony. So he believes that campaign contributions to legislators are corrupting? Because two previous governors are in jail. Maybe he should just say he doesn’t want more casinos. I could deal with that.
So those contributions he got from AFSCME when he signed that contract with them the same week were not corrupting? He has not been corrupted by contributions. But everyone else has.
I firmly believe that campaign contributions need to be capped, disclosed instantly and fully transparent. But to say that one industry’s money is corrupting but the union’s money to him is not is phony pandering.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:26 am
Gambling is foolish fiscal policy and gambling expansion would be more foolish, but it’s good to see the gambling addicts such as Lou Lang and his buddies stopped for now.
A casino in Chicago would make certain connected people rich and suck money out of the economy.
If Rahm wants a casino, he should just put a bunch of slot machines in city hall. It’s the same sleaze and rigged games of chance anyway.
Comment by Jim Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:32 am
@Coach59
You’re obviously very passionate about the subject and I agree with much of what you said. However, you should note that if you hit the return button once in a while, and break up your thoughts into more than one paragraph, it makes it much easier to read and comprehend. Just sayin’.
Comment by TwoFeetThick Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:33 am
Sorry about that. I’m just so frustrated with our Gov. and politicians now that I wasn’t thinking. Yes it would have made it easier to read.
I just hope they get the message that for one I am tired of having my taxes raised but once they have a chance to raise revenue and create jobs they choose not to! We are not thinking about the people like these other states are!
Comment by Coach59 Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:42 am
Who’s irrelevant?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:58 am
Thanks, Sale Fan.
Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:59 am
I wonder how the Moody’s, S & P and Fitch bond rating folks view the Governor’s veto. Seems to me it’s way too late to worry about the impact of campaign contributions. Maybe the raters are neutral on the veto, but I would award the state a two tick downgrade for the veto and the GA not sending up a bill the Governor would sign. A2 to Baa1 might get their attention.
Comment by Cook County Commoner Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 12:05 pm
Thank you Gov. Quinn for doing the right thing
Comment by Das Man Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 12:09 pm
I guess today is the unofficial start of the Democratic primary for Governor, 2014.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 12:23 pm
Quinn should go to Chinatown and view the bus full
of people leaving every hour on the hour for the Horseshoe Casino.
This veto should be over ridden and fast.As far as Quinn he really must be afraid of doing time.
That giant sucking sound is money leaving Illinois
for Indiana, To paraphase Ross Perot.
Comment by mokenavince Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 12:24 pm
This is a timing issue. Looking toward the 2014 election, the Democrats need a master plan that addresses the pension problem, takes a big chunk out of the State’s payment backlog, and reduces unemployment. Gambling expansion helps with the latter two (with its up-front licensing fees, casino construction, and ongoing revenue).
The master plan is going to require a master deal. Agreement on pensions and gambling expansion would be expected to occur at about the same time. It was not worked out this year, but their backs will be against the wall in 2013.
Comment by east central Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 12:34 pm
Lou Lang said, and I have no reason to disbelieve him, that the Governor would not respond to repeated requests for discussion on how to improve the bill. That is no way to govern, just to sit back, not contribute any ideas, and then say “no”. But it is typical of this Governor. I am amazed that the Governor still has supporters and apologists.
Comment by jake Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:04 pm
- I am amazed that the Governor still has supporters and apologists. -
Yes, because the world is united in favor of gaming expansion.
Be amazed all you want, everyone has an issue that should be the number one priority, governors don’t have the luxury of accomodating all of them.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:11 pm
STL,
I would be more impressed if he in fact was against gaming expansion and said that, then bring up some BS ethics thing…
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:14 pm
@OneMan
Exactly. You don’t like it or think it’s a bad idea, fine. But don’t cynically accuse legislators of doing the exact same thing you’re doing, and then use that as your reason for vetoing the bill. That’s positively Blagovian.
Comment by TwoFeetThick Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:38 pm
Am I the only person who gets scared when Mayor Emanuel uses the world “relentlessly”?
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 1:57 pm
Reality Check: Back in Feb the Tribune polled and found that 50% of Illinoisans back gaming expansion in Illinois. I bet once you let the public know about the various ethical problems, that number plummets. So this is a totally reasonable move by the Governor and one lots of people will applaud.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-02-10/news/ct-met-illinois-gambling-pensions-20120210_1_chicago-casino-new-casinos-wgn-tv-poll
Comment by just a reader Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 2:32 pm
===Am I the only person who gets scared when Mayor Emanuel uses the world “relentlessly”?===
I only get nervous when Rahm talks about an “offer (s)he can’t refuse”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 2:49 pm
Mayor Emanuel and apparently some posters on this blog want to emphasize that a Chicago based casino will primarily take business away from Horseshoe Casino in Hammond Indiana. Knowing how my city taxes to death everything I can’t possibly imagine that a downtown Chicago casino would be either a better deal than Horseshoe or have anywhere near the parking that Horseshoe has. As to the bus loads of gamblers going from China town each day to Horseshoe, I would add there are also busloads going from Chicago’s north side Asian neighborhood Argyle Street. Why, because Horseshoe has developed not only buses but entertainment focusing on Chicago’s Asian community.
The Mayor says he wants a Chicago based Casino for the kids. That really is pretty sick, especially after our experience of the State lottery for the kids. Mayor Emanuel wants taxes to keep our sinking ship from taking on even more water. Mayor Emanuel could care in the least whether or not a City kid’s parent loses his or her shirt on the slots, just as long as the taxes go to Chicago. Very, very sad where we are going here.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 3:05 pm
@just a reader -
My guess is that a more detailed poll would find that support for expanding gambling is pretty soft, while there’s a pretty solid base that is strongly opposed.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 3:53 pm
YDD,
I vaguely remember a poll that showed that if you attach a dollar amount if increased revenue to approving gaming, the numbers are very high for approval. I’ll try to dig it up.
Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 4:32 pm
@Cincinnatus-
That doesn’t surprise me at all. I bet it goes right back down if you tell people its legislation to create a casino controlled by Chicago’s mayor and the Democratic machine.
Because, let’s face it, the casinos in Rockford, Waukegan and
danville wont be in the news.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 5:26 pm
Illinois has 10 casinos, the lottery, racetracks and soon video gambling machines at a bar or restaurant in hundreds of communities. This is more than enough gambling for Illinois. With the opening of the Rivers casino, Illinois has recovered their advantage over Indiana casinos. Recently Northwest Indiana gaming venues were down 7 percent.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 6:45 pm
not a Quinn backer in any way. But he came up with a pretty good reason for the veto. Lou Lang willing to give up the campaign grease to get his bill passed?
By the way, Chicago: casino’s trash up a city. Be careful what you wish for.
Comment by park Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 7:40 pm
Legalized gambling is bad. Gambling losses are real and destroy families, hurt children, etc. I would only support legalized gambling if all the state profits went toward prevention and helping the victims and not diverted to other projects.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 7:42 pm
Has anyone asked Jaffe why he was going to license mobsters? Good thing Quinn kept that from happening.
Comment by bigdaddygeo Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 9:58 pm
So, we have a state government so in debt they are willing to entice thousands of their citizens into gambling, just to get a cut of the money these folks would be spending on their families and their own fiscal security.
Who is the addict here?
The fact is, Illinois would not be doing this if it wasn’t for the money. There is no justification for expaning gambling. Our state leaders, except Quinn and a few others, want to throw folks under the bus to collect the cash in their pockets.
If a state government can justify this, they can pretty much justify anything if it paid the bills they create. Why stop at gambling? When we still find ourselves billions in debt next year, how about unleashing another vice upon the state?
Who is the real addict here?
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 10:27 pm
VMan, I don’t agree with all you said (and I’m posting this so late likely no one will see it anyway) but let me say that it’s good to see you post. Welcome back.
Comment by TwoFeetThick Tuesday, Aug 28, 12 @ 11:17 pm
*peeks in*
*giggles at TwoFeetThick’s post about posting so late*
*waves hello to V-Man*
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 29, 12 @ 2:21 am
If you start banning campaign contributions from one side of an issue should you not also ban contributions from the other side of the issue? In this case how far would that extend? So if a group or person is barred from making a contribution regarding a specific issue does this also mean that they are barred from making contributions on any issue? Seems unconstitutional to the extent that you have now taken away a persons right to petition or redress his government.
More effective campaign contribution limits across the board would seem to make more sense.
Comment by TTWSYF Wednesday, Aug 29, 12 @ 8:01 am