By Jamey Dunn, Illinois Issues
Gov. Pat Quinn said Tuesday that he is not negotiating when it comes to a gaming expansion in Illinois. Quinn told reporters in Chicago that lawmakers who want more gambling in the state have two options: Pass a bill based on his ideas; or send him the bill they passed last spring. “I’d be happy to take it, veto out the defects and flaws and put in the good important things and send it back to them,” Quinn said.
Senate President John Cullerton used a parliamentary procedure to hold the bill from going to the governor’s desk. But when asked today if he was working on a compromise with lawmakers, Quinn said, “I don’t think the word negotiate is appropriate.”
Quinn said he would support five new casinos but could not back allowing horse racing tracks to have slot machines. He said he wants more oversight of the proposed Chicago casino and he wants an option that would require local governments to opt into legalizing video gaming in some bars and restaurants. Legalized video gaming is one of the founding sources of funding for the state’s capital construction program.
Quinn said that while he is “open-minded” about gaming, it is not a priority for him. “My interest is not to promote gambling," he said. "That is not my foremost goal in Illinois. I don’t think you can gamble your way to prosperity.”
You can read Jamey's full report at: http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/quinn-gaming-negotiations-arent-taking.html
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