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* Tribune…
[Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady] said there have been initial bipartisan talks about the potential for a statewide public works bill funded, at least in part, by expanded casino gambling in the state.
Asked by a reporter later about the talks, Brady said, “It’s as real as it’s ever been.”
“Speaker (Michael) Madigan, I think, wants a capital plan. I know the governor does. I think John Cullerton does. We’ve had some discussions,” Brady said. “You know, everyone going into re-election, it’s a difficult year. Everyone would like to be able to show some accomplishment. I’m hoping to leverage that.” […]
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said, “There are discussions and gaming may figure into it. It’s kind of hard to grasp how far things might go.” Brown added that as he has in the past, Madigan has recused himself on gaming issues.
Brady’s comments came a day after Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin appeared doubtful that Democrats would back a large scale infrastructure plan in an election year.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:04 am
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Previous Post: Today’s number: 309 days
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Maybe this will be an opening to let the racetracks have casinos too?
Comment by Collinsville Kevin Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:07 am
“As real as it’s ever been” Ok, then.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:09 am
I think casinos have moved into “monorail” territory now.
With all the slots in bars outside Chicago, where (outside Chicago) is there a truly viable casino location that would pay off in state revenue, and not just cannibalize existing gaming?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:09 am
I agree with Sling, with one caveat. There may be viability in 2 or 3 in Chicago; N,S, and center. 2 at the least.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:20 am
I have to think that we’re close to the saturation point with gaming. I’d be far more interested in shifting the discussion to marijuana particularly if it provides a first mover advantage for cultivation. Illinois could own this industry in the Midwest and it could provide a huge assist to downstate economies.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:22 am
Sheesh. Turning attention from national to state politics is like getting inside of a lava lamp from the 1970s. Only lazier, more out-dated and pointless.
Comment by Chris P. Bacon Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:22 am
Gaming is NOT the answer. The market is saturated with gaming.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:24 am
==Gaming is NOT the answer. The market is saturated with gaming.==
Not a fan of gaming; but it’s here. The market is saturated; except for the largest market for it in the state.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:38 am
In the spirit of the discussed funding source, my money is on the effort failing. Remember that Rauner is still not in charge and this is an election year.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:41 am
This demonstrates how pathetic policy making in Illinois is. Gambling as any kind of potential for state income is in the rear view mirror. Legalization of cannabis is the best possibility for a new income.
Comment by d.p.gumby Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 10:52 am
Bill Brady’s thinking is as old and stale as the 1990’s look of the ‘Capitol Connection’ eblast that’s sent out under his name every week.
Comment by Chris P. Bacon Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 11:19 am
What does it say about our state when the only viable suggestions for maintaining our crumbling infrastructure at a merely passable level are to dumb down the residents by giving them decreased cognitive ability through legalized weed, or instituting an additional tax on the poor and addiction-prone with legalized gambling? How much will the immediate gains from these tax generators be ultimately offset after the long term effects of these productivity-killing legalized sins take full hold? We are dooming our state in the long run.
Comment by BigDoggie Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 11:36 am
Does anyone think Brady advocate for taxing “Casino Night” at places like his alma mater BCC HS to fund the capital plan? /S
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 11:40 am
So did these guys forget that the last time they tried to pay for a capital plan with gaming is still failing? When was the last time the Capital Projects Fund could actually afford to make its transfers? These guys are so stupid it’s a miracle they manage to put pants on every day.
Comment by ImNotTaylorSwift Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 11:44 am
Is ‘gaming’ the same as ‘gambling’?
Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 12:15 pm
Since all the politicians claim that the state pension’s being underfunded are causing the state’s financial problems, then any gambling expansion revenue should go right to the pension funds along with the “Edgar Ramp” payments. The soonef we get these pensiins properly unfunded the sooner this state can start doing things to improve itself. Stop trying to change the pensions for current employees. Accept the court’s ruling and move on.
Comment by Frank Ambrose Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 12:34 pm
Don’t forget case in front of scotus on sports betting. If that becomes legal then for sure expansion.
Comment by Mad dog Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 12:48 pm
BD, you’re aware that the first tax ever enacted by the United States was a whiskey tax, correct?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 12:58 pm
When all you have is a hammer… everything looks like a casino?
Seriously, give it a rest with the gambling as panacea thing.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 12:59 pm
Word. Was it whiskey or rum?
Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 1:05 pm
We Need it BUT It needs to be paid for by a gas tax Don’t bill it to our kids for it PAY for it
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 2:25 pm
Just put slots in museum lobbies. You know there’s always one person in the group who doesn’t really want to see the mummies/Renoirs/whatever. It would give that person something to do.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 2:41 pm
Why don’t we just make it a user fee? Bump the gas tax to a 21st century level or use registration/vmt/one of the other methods to have roads paid for by the people who drive on them. Need some leadership from our legislators on this.
Comment by Man with a Plan Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 3:29 pm
Man with a plan…exactly. If you use it, pay for it. The gas tax hasn’t been raised decades. A 15 cent bump would cost the avg. driver $120/year…a year. When that tax was enacted no one had a cell phone at a $100 A MONTH….now everyone has one and budgets accordingly…hence, they use the phone,t they pay for it
Comment by Taxed out west Monday, Apr 16, 18 @ 5:31 pm