Emanuel Continues Push For Chicago Casino
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he is still pushing for the Illinois General Assembly to approve a bill expanding casino gambling on the state, and clearing the way for a Chicago casino.
As WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, Gov. Pat Quinn has threatened to veto any legislation that allows for slot machines at horse racing tracks, or creates too many new casinos.
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Lawmakers have voted to approve such bills, but none has been sent to the Governor's desk. Mayor Emanuel wants to see a meeting of the minds.
As he has said many times before, Mayor Emanuel says there is already a Chicago casino, but it just happens to be in Northwest Indiana. The mayor says Horseshoe Casino in Hammond takes away revenue that could be coming into Chicago coffers.
Emanuel wants a major gaming operation here, to encourage Chicagoans and their discretionary dollars to remain home. So he is still pushing hard for legislation that would clear the way for a casino in the city.
"I will continue to work with the governor, and the legislative leaders in both chambers of both parties to push for something that has been debated for 25 years," Emanuel said. "I think the time for debate is over. The time for decision-making is now."
Quinn objects to the legislation approved by the General Assembly last year, because it allows for slot machines at racetracks. The legislation also calls for slot machines in the terminals at O'Hare and Midway international airports, and at the grounds of the Illinois State Fair.
