Dec 3, 2007 5:27 pm US/Central
Lawmakers Again Consider Gambling To Help Fund CTA
Another Vote Could Take Place In Springfield Next Week
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The state's top lawmakers and Governor Rod Blagojevich are still trying to agree on a gambling expansion that would pay for a statewide construction program and pave the way for a mass-transit bailout. They hope to reconvene in Springfield next week.
As Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, House Speaker Mike Madigan met Monday with Republican leaders of the general assembly. The Republicans had shuttled over after meeting earlier with a man the speaker declined to meet with – Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
The vast expansion of gambling that Blagojevich and the legislative leaders discussed once again Monday is a prospect that outrages some. They're demanding a voter referendum first.
"They cannot buy the ballot box," said Rev. Tom Grey, a gambling opponent. "What they can buy are state legislators."
Opponents argue that before politicians authorize seven new Chicago area casinos -- only Las Vegas would have more gambling -- the people should be given a direct voice.
"The massive expansion of public gambling is not what the public wants," said Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn. "In fact I think the public ought to have a chance by referendum to weigh in on whether all this gambling -- enhanced gambling -- is a good idea."
"Well that's not the way it's done in Illinois," said Republican Senate leader Tom Watson. "It's done through the legislative process who represent the people from various districts. I'm not comfortable with all the gambling and never have been."
The legislative leaders who met with the governor at the Thompson Center Monday said it's their goal to convene the general assembly next week to have a final vote.
"The first thing next week to pass the legislation to take care of funding for CTA, Metra and Pace, at the same time take care of the capital needs of the state of Illinois," said Democrat Senate President Emil Jones.
Many lawmakers don't want to approve mass transit aid until a deal is reached on a capital program.
The problem is Madigan and Jones are as much at odds with each other as Blagojevich and Madigan are. That complicates their ability to negotiate a compromise. It also leaves Republican legislators in the bizarre position of trying to bring the Democrats in Springfield together.
Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff says the plan is for legislative leaders to meet again Tuesday and then head back to Springfield next week to vote on capital and transit.
CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery and the Associated Press contributed to this report.cbs2chicago.com's Most Popular Pages 
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