State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) is still trying to expand gambling in Illinois, now that he's the Chairman of the senate Gaming Committee.I don't know what, if any, horse he bet on in the Kentucky Derby over the weekend, but he's pushing a proposal now that could allow gambling on-line.
State Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, plans to unveil a package of legislation next week that would expand gambling options in Illinois. The proposal could include legalizing online betting of horse races.
Supporters say such a measure would allow Illinois horse racing tracks to partner with Internet gambling sites, which would then act as electronic off-track betting parlors for the tracks.
Betters could set up accounts and wager on races on their personal computers. Losses would be deducted from the prepaid accounts and wins would be added to them. The measure could generate $1.5 million, Link said.
But some lawmakers doubt the income will last over time.
“It’s not a reliable source,” said state Rep. Keith Sommer, R-Morton. “There’s been a reduction of revenue from gambling and it even makes it less attractive.”
I generally think that expansion of gambling is a bad way for the state to raise revenue, since it usually takes a disproportionate amount of money away from those that can least afford it.
But the real shame here is that Senator Link for years now has not been able to come up with any solid ideas to actually promote economic growth that don't involve gambling. As we all know, in gambling, there is always a winner, but usually there are a lot more losers. It's too bad Senator Link doesn't put as much effort into promoting solid, sustainable economic growth as he does into expanding the illusory magic bullet of gambling throughout Illinois (and especially Waukegan).
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5 comments:
The only thing Link is capable of at this point is to figure out ways to extract money from the few of us left who are gainfully employed: expanded gambling, speeding tickets, and increasing taxes/fees. Is it any wonder that with people like Link having been in office for so long, that our state is in this condition? Can you imagine the conversation in Links' office? "...gambling revenues are down, unemployment is up, and people are having a hard time making ends meet, let's see....since we can't even think about controling spending, how are we going to get more money? I know! Let's expand gambling!". Can't we do any better than this?
TA, if you are in his district, would you consider running against this monstrosity of a legislator?
His existence and ability to turn Lake County blue is just another piece in the FAIL that is Andy McKenna's tenure in Illinois.
FOKLAES
Hi FOKLAES- I do live in Link's district, and I'm very flattered, but TA tries to be more of a behind the scenes kind of guy.
I am a strong supporter of Keith Gray, who ran against Link last cycle and hope he does so again in 2012. In 2010, among others, I will be helping Dan Sugrue who plans to run again against Kathy Ryg, who is the state rep in 59, which is the west half of Link's senatorial district.
We have some very good talent coming up, now they just need our support!
Because of the 2011 redistricting, the legislative map will probably be different, in 2012, and Keith Gray might not live in Link's district. I hope that a conservative township official, mayor, and/or town trustee, who lives in Gurnee and/or Zion, is planning on running against Link, in 2012, in case his new district includes those towns.
Phil Collins
Team this is most unfortunate as the man from mettawa making the most for our future has a nice ring to it. Keith, like Fightin Tim Stratton needs chief talk too soft mckenna and his band of merry squaws to step up and give him some sound political advice on issues and organizing to defeat suburban democrat candidates.
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