Costs of gambling are far too high

Legislators in the General Assembly are attempting to tie a massive increase in gambling to funding for capital construction projects. Voters must not allow this to happen. Gambling has not solved any fiscal problems in the past; this will be no different.

There is no redeeming social value in gambling. Speaker Madigan and Tom Cross have both said they do not gamble. (Perhaps they should do their share to help the gambling coffers.)

Who will gamble and fund projects? Those least able financially. It is interesting to note that 5 percent of our population buys 51 percent of the lottery tickets. Unfortunately, I am afraid gambling is here to stay. We must not allow it to grow. It is a social cancer. Our governor and legislators should develop real solutions to our problems and not depend on slots and all forms of gambling, which will hurt many people and add to our social costs.

Lee Koenig

Arlington Heights