More gambling is not the solution

It greatly saddens me to see many Republican Party leaders and elected officials collaborating with Democrats in the latest state capital proposal. Once again we're told that we have no other choice: Schools are crumbling, roads and bridges too, and current state revenues can't possibly cover the costs.

Expanding state gambling is our legislature's "solution." But the long-term social and economic costs of expanded gambling far outweigh perceived gains.

Casinos are magnets for crime and corruption. They frequently devastate family relationships and finances, and create debilitating addictions.

A land-based Chicago casino would hurt local business by eating up discretionary income from tourists and Illinois residents alike.

As the state budget soars out of control, our elected officials have been shirking their responsibilities to address the serious financial crises that face our state.

We must aggressively attack the fundamental problem by reducing spending, revising the outdated pension plan and adopting pro-business policies. The state must lower tax rates across the board to encourage business growth, which is one solid way to improve state revenues.

Gambling expansion fails to address our state's root spending problem and ushers in a host of new social and economic problems to boot. Please contact your state representative immediately and urge them to stop this shortsighted plan.

Tom Morrison

Palatine