Budget time means gambling expansion threats

We're in May now, and as lawmakers begin settling down and focusing on the budget, the panic sets in as they scour the landscape for "more revenue, more revenue." 

Let's see,  it's an election year, so any sane budget discussion won't include the words "hike taxes."  With buses of t-shirt clad citizens hauled in each week demanding more tax dollars for their pocketbooks or causes, you'll not hear "cut spending" mumbled either.

No, for more revenue what we'll hear is a call to "expand gambling."  And that's when the tiny, but powerful, two-woman team from ILCAAAP does all they can to slow down yet another gambling expansion freight train as it barrels into Springfield.

Here's what ILCAAAP's warning us all about this year:

• SB 2099 – Internet Lottery Pilot Program.  Anyone 18 and older could purchase Lottery tickets from the Internet using a computer, cell phone, BlackBerry, etc.  Young people would be attracted to this electronic form of gambling.  On postponed consideration (one vote short of passing) - will be called for another vote in Senate.
• SB 2702 – Legalizes Advanced Deposit Wagering and Internet gambling on horse racing.  Horse racing is the top Internet attraction for people who are 55+ according to an AARP Bulletin.   People could lose their house while gambling at home.  Passed in the Senate and sent to the House.
• HB 4128 – Internet Lottery.   HB 4128 requires the State to enter into a contract with a private Internet agent to sell Lottery tickets through the Internet. This company could make a fortune from a very lucrative contract.  Anyone 18 and older could gamble from a computer, cell phone, or BlackBerry and become addicted.  On 2nd Reading in the House
• HB 4758 – Expands gambling at the State Fairgrounds from 6 days a year during the State Fair to 9 months a year.   The racetrack could also open 6 additional Off Track Betting Parlors and become a land-based casino if slots are legalized at racetracks. Ready to be voted on in the House of Representatives.

Comments

[Cynthia]

Isn't Springfield awash in money coming in from the taxes on gasoline? We have some of the highest gas taxes in the country, and I'd think soaring gas prices would be pouring money into their coffers (not that having more money would ever keep them from asking for more).

[PhilCollins]

The state government could receive more money if the highway patrol pulled over more law-breakers. When I drive on I-94 and I-294, I see many signs that state, "Construction Zone - Speed Limit 45 M.P.H." Almost all of the cars that I see, in those areas, are driven 55-60 m.p.h., but I see police officers pull over drivers about once every 2-3 months. If the majority of the law-breakers received tickets, the state would receive a lot more money.

[jorod]

They need more skimming opportunities and patronage jobs.

If conservatives don't want more gambling, and they certainly don't want higher taxes, then how can the GOP legislators call for a $25 billion capital plan if they don't want to pay for it?

[DuPage14th]

The state collects PLENTY of money to do the things that state government should be doing... the problem is how it's being spent.

[Pete Speer]

Anonymouse 5/10 @ 10:12 p.m.

Capital Plans demand Capital Budgets, which requires a mix o capital and current financing.

But they can't be formed on a one and done basis. Capital Plans usually have embedded within them a five year Capital Improvement Program which is annually updated to include an out year tacked on at the far end.

Unfortunatelky, this requires discipline on the part of the legislature.

Financing the current year portion within the budget is done with a mix of current revenues and bond issue proceeds. Bonds are sold to mimic the economic life of the Capital Assets being financed. This is done so that a replacement asset need not be funded before the bonds financing the old asset are retired.

Unfortunately, the legislature is interested more in the distribution of potk than in the proper structure of a Plan and its financing.

Municipalities regularly submit themselves to this sort of discipline to the benefit of their taxpayers.