As of May 29, 2007, when the $7.5 billion worth tax plan presented by Gov. Rod Blagojevich failed to pass the legislature, Blagojevich changed his plans. He is now pushing for a gambling expansion plan in Illinois to try to solve a state budget deficit.
The proposal backed by Emil Jones aims to expand gambling activities in Illinois to include 3 riverboat casinos in Waukegan. As part of the agreement, Chicago would receive a casino facility as well.
Blagojevich said that gaming will contribute greatly to community related projects. Some of the games that are part of the gaming expansion proposal are the lottery and statewide keno games.
Nonetheless, only 2% of the profits would be allocated for Emil Jones' charity, the Chicago State University, giving the institution a possible $40 million for the University.
Previously, Chicago State has been accused of mishandling funds. Adding to Blagojevich's problems is the point made by Mike Madigan that profits generated from this agreement should go directly towards more construction plans in the state, leaving the Governor's plans of donating more money to health care.
The Illinois Congressional Division is already pushing Blago to give immediate attention to better funding for the mass transit system in the state, with a total of $6.1 billion in federal funding in trouble unless the state government can produce $1 billion in matching funds.
With the budget deadline looming closer and both sides already preparing for the long debate, the Governor's schedule is booked solid. Blagojevich believes that statewide keno would solve these budget problems.
Monday, June 18 , 2007
John Sullivan
