Saturday, February 24, 2007

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.
Throughout his first term, Governor Blagojevich has pushed several plans to
fund school construction and various public works projects. None of these
plans received proper support to be passed. House Republicans held up his
most recent proposal, stating that there was not adequate funding to
complete it. The Governor suggested that the State could add a keno lottery
game to pay for the plan, but was ultimately forced to drop the idea. The
new plan proposed by the GOP would provide a budget of $3 Billion for
purposes of road construction and mass transit projects. An additional $1.5
Billion would be applied to construction costs for schools in the State, and
another $500 Million would go to various Universities and Community
Colleges. The money required to pay for this plan would be derived purely
from an expansion of available gambling at the casinos in Illinois. "I
understand that this does not expand gambling locations, but it would expand
the positions," said Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Mount Sterling). Tracy said that the
plan is both vital and long overdue, even if an expansion of gambling is not
her favorite source of funding.