Chicago aldermen press Quinn to sign gambling bill

Chicago’s Hispanic and black aldermen have added their voices to calls Gov. Pat Quinn sign legislation expanding the number of casinos in Illinois.

Alderman Daniel Solis of the city council’s Hispanic caucus said Wednesday a casino would bring millions of dollars to the city annually and would help finance infrastructure improvements.

The aldermen pointed to the more than 600 miles of water main that are more than a century old. They also noted the city needs at least $1 billion to address the public school’s infrastructure needs.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has recently pushed the governor to sign the gambling expansion bill, of which Quinn has expressed reservations. The bill, in addition to Chicago, would add four other casinos, expand gambling at existing casinos and put slots at racetracks.