Illinois Republicans Push for Expanded Gambling

Plan Raises $400 Million Per Year for Roads and Schools

Illinois House Republicans have proposed a $5 Billion budget for roads, schools and mass transportation. The money to cover the budget will come from an expansion of Illinois' casinos.

Expanding gambling in the State has not been a popular option in the past. But when compared to other options, such as increased sales tax or an increase on State income tax, offering more gambling in the State may be viewed as the most favorable option available.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) remains hopeful about the proposal's odds of approval. The State has been in desperate need for a Capital Construction Plan for years, to repair aging roads and bridges. Adding to his hopes are that both parties have already mentioned using more gambling to cover the costs of these projects.

"We haven't done an infrastructure bill in seven years," Cross said. "When you look at roads, schools and higher education issues, it's time to quit talking about it."

Cross continued on to explain that while not everyone has embraced the idea, nearly everyone is in agreement on the need for a capital plan, and that the money for this plan has to come from somewhere.

The last Capital Budget was the "Illinois FIRST" plan, which was passed in 1999 during the early days of Gov. George Ryan's term. More recently, Gov. Rod Blagojevich has proposed multiple Capital Plans; all of which have failed to gain the approval of State Lawmakers.

A spokesperson for Governor Blagojevich, Abby Ottenhoff, stated that the Governor is open to considering any proposal put forth by the State Legislation.

"But it's ironic that these are the very legislators who stopped the governor from passing any capital plans for the last four years," Ottenhoff continued.