LAWMAKERS IN THE ILLINOIS HOUSE HAVE VOTED IN FAVOR OF A GAMBLING EXPANSION PLAN THAT WILL BRING IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN NEW REVENUE FOR THE STATE.

THE PROPOSAL ALLOWS FOR FIVE NEW CASINOS…INCLUDING ONE IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO…AND SLOT MACHINES AT HORSE RACING TRACKS. BILL SPONSOR…REPRESENTATIVE LOU LANG OF SKOKIE SAYS THIS WILL GENERATE MUCH NEEDED MONEY FOR THE STATE…HELP PAY OFF OLD BILLS…CREATE JOBS…AND JUMP START THE ECONOMY.

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REPRESENTATIVE ED SULLIVAN OF MUNDELEIN TOLD HIS COLLEAGUES THIS MAY HELP AVOID SOME VERY PAINFUL CUTS.

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OPPONENTS WORRY ABOUT ADDING EVEN MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO GAMBLE AWAY THEIR MONEY. THE BILL NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE FOR A VOTE AND THEN MUST ALSO BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR.