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Gambling expansion hearing is today in Springfield

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By Kathleen Haughney | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 |

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers will take testimony today on a controversial plan for a major expansion of gambling throughout the state to provide money for school and infrastructure projects.

Legislators and the governor have been battling back and forth since the fall over how to fund a public works project that would pay for roads, bridges, mass transit and schools, among other projects.

Proposed legislation calls for a Chicago land-based casino, one new riverboat license, slot machines at racetracks and a revised gaming board. It would also expand the capacities of the existing riverboat casinos.

Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, who sponsored the measure, said he remains convinced that the state should pass a gambling expansion bill to fund construction projects throughout Illinois.

“This is a matter of economic development,” he said.

But not everyone is so sure that the development will come risk-free.

Anita Bedell, executive director of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol Problems and Addiction Problems, said the risks in increasing compulsive gambling outweigh the economic benefits.

“The legislators, they always look at the amount of revenue that can be generated, but they never consider the cost,” Bedell said.

Bedell, who plans to testify at the bill’s hearing, said many Illinoisans might not be willing to drive two hours to casinos, but they will be willing to drive to one in their neighborhood.

Lang responded: “Look, people in Illinois gamble today ... to turn our backs on that opportunity for economic development, I don’t understand that.”

Lang said the state already offers addiction counseling at gaming operations throughout the state.

Today’s meeting will largely be used to take ideas and testimony from gaming advocates and opponents for possible revisions to the existing bill. Lang said he does not expect a vote on the measure at the meeting.