Religious Leaders To Fight Illinois Gambling Expansion
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn's office could soon be bombarded with calls from religious leaders as he considers whether or not to sign the gambling expansion bill.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, the Greater Waukegan Ministerial Association has asked 160 churches across Lake County to contact the governor's office, urging him to veto the gambling legislation that would include a casino in Park City just outside Waukegan.
The organizer, Love in the Name of Christ of Lake County executive director Cal "Spark" Ball, tells the Daily Herald does not believe a casino would help the local economy and instead would increase crime and gambling problems.
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But supporters say the expansion would bring income to the state and keep those who enjoy the game from heading to Wisconsin.
The bill would create five new casinos. In addition to the one in Lake County, casinos would also open within the Chicago city limits, and in the southern suburbs, Rockford and Danville.
The bill would also permit slot machines at racetracks, and at O'Hare and Midway international airports.
Quinn has expressed concerns about the proposal, which is on his desk after having passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly. He called it "excessive" and "top-heavy" Wednesday.
