from Illinois Churches in Action
SB 737 was heard in the Senate Executive Committee today. SB 737 is similar to the other massive gambling expansion bill, legalizing 11 new casinos and tripling the amount of casino gambling in Illinois. Floor amendments will be put on the bill tomorrow, then SB737 will be called for a vote on Wednesday, December 1! The bill includes:
· A City owned land-casino in Chicago with 4,000 gambling positions.
· Legalizes 4 additional casinos in Rockford, Danville, Park City, and South Suburbs with revenue sharing in 5 townships.
· Transforms 6 racetracks into land-based casinos with slots and video gambling machines.
· Creates the Chicago Casino Development Authority with the ability to use eminent domain to locate the casino wherever it wishes. The authority can finance public bonds, is exempt from real estate taxes, with less control from the Illinois Gaming Board.
· Pre-empts Home Rule in Arlington Heights and Chicago
· Changes the qualifications for the Illinois Gaming Board to require one member with 5 years of casino management experience. The Illinois Gaming Board fought for its independence from the IL Dept. of Revenue for many years. They achieved that last years, and now SB 737 would but a gambling industry person on the Board! Senator Terry Link, sponsor of SB 373, wants all the gambling venues operational in 12 months!
· SB 737 cuts the taxes for casinos to 12% to 44% and gives the Alton casino a $2 million tax break for construction to become a land-based casino.
For Immediate Action
1. Call your State Senator (217-782-2000 capitol switchboard), and ask him/her to oppose and Vote NO on SB 737, the massive expansion of gambling.
2. Forward to 10 others.
