Sign the gambling bill, governor

Gov. Quinn wants to hear from the public before deciding whether or not to sign SB 744 into law. The public, however, has already spoken through its duly elected representatives, our Illinois House and Senate.

For 20 years public debate has occurred throughout our state about expanded gaming including at our horse racing tracks. Local forums have taken place, newspapers have weighed in and now our legislators approved a plan that will create jobs and tax revenues and will stop the flow of the 30,000-plus jobs that are supported by Illinois’ horse racing industry to other states.

If the governor needs to listen some more, he will hear from the same special interests that attempted to defeat this bill. He will hear from the current Illinois casinos that think that gaming is OK for them but no one else. He will hear from anti-gaming activists who, if they had their way, would also eliminate the Illinois lottery which has outlets at every corner store throughout the state.

What the governor should listen to is the people who supported the crafting and passage of SB 744 which was the culmination of years of work to create a bill that benefits the most people in the state of Illinois. This bill isn’t excessive — it is excessively good. Illinois will not become the Las Vegas of the Midwest. There will not be casinos lining Michigan Avenue. Cities around this large and great state will have the same opportunities for jobs and tax revenues and growth that to date have been shortsightedly limited. And the horse racing industry will get the shot in the arm that it desperately needs to compete with surrounding states.

All it takes is your signature, Governor, to give to the people of Illinois what they have already approved.

Glen E. Berman

Executive director

Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association

North Riverside