Recently, the DuPage County Board acted judiciously and correctly in outlawing (forbidding) video poker terminals within the unincorporated areas in DuPage county.
Under the new "Capital Bill" signed by Governor Quinn, the new Video Gaming Act allows for 5 video poker machines per liquor establishment, truck stop, and Veterans / Fraternal club. The Illinois Gaming Board (IBG) has yet to promulgate rules and regulations for this new gaming activity. The Governor was foolish for accepting this amendment to the Capital bill.
The door has just been opened for organized crime to strengthen its position in Illinois. It remains to be seen whether we will be seeing dead bodies in car trunks out at O'Hare as turf wars develop as a result of this new gambling. Oh, I'm sure the IBG will put together strict rules about who can be involved in the poker terminals, but lets face it unless their enforcement offices are funded properly, it won't be little mice jumping through the loopholes, it will be Illinois bison lumbering through any loopholes. The Illinois legislature should have the stones to dump this insidious legislation. Granted, any municipality or county can opt out of the law,but too many will be salivating over the projected revenues that video poker supposedly will bring in.
There is only so many gambling dollars available for people to spend on this entertainment. The legislature would be wise to strengthen its current gaming venues instead of creating additional ones to take dollars away from these. Currently Illinois has nine Riverboats with a tenth one to birth in the Des Plaines river in Des Plaines. Why not enhance the current law and regulations to allow them to expand a little. Increase the number of table games allowed, including the phenomenally popular Texas Hold 'Em. Additionally, allow the casinos to put in more slots. The casinos should also be allowed to put in separate (in every way, ventilation, etc.) smoking facilities. Such small improvements may very well enhance the states take of gambling revenues without resorting to video poker which will increase the cost of the IBG's enforcement budget.
Another area that current gaming law needs to be re-set is allowing some of the race tracks to have slots. In other states they are called racinos. Now that the tenth casino license has been granted, Illinois should amend the law to allow thirteen casinos, three additional ones should be granted to Arlington Park, Hawthorne and Fairmount Park race tracks. Though, they should be smaller in size than the riverboats it would help enormously in making Illinois a great thoroughbred racing state rivaling neighboring Kentucky. Such a law change would also render the ridiculous "Impact Fee" legislation currently tied up in the courts as moot.
There should be strong competition for the public gaming entertainment dollars among the current gaming venues. It is apparent that any increase in gaming will hurt current operations. It is imperative to build upon what Illinois has, not create more problems across a multitude of venues. The Illinois legislature needs to re-set the Illinois Gaming Law in its next legislative session.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Illinois Budget Crisis
Governor Quinn is an honest and decent fellow. An affable, reform minded politician; after all he, long ago, led the charge toward dumping Illinois' convoluted cumulative voting system. Under such a system, voters elected three state representatives from each legislative district. The theory was that the minority party would have a representative to present their viewpoint. Imagine how this played in the City of Chicago?? Nonetheless, Quinn's leadership helped reduce government by leading Illinois voter's towards dumping this system. That was then, this is now.
Now Governor proposes a budget that both increases government spending and seeks to increase taxes. Perhaps it is time to drop the "Reform" label. The Governor's proposed "temporary" increase in the personal income tax as well as increase the state's business tax is the wrong way to move Illinois forward.
First, to increase taxes during troubled economic times is antithetical to any type of pro-growth policies. A raise in taxes will only continue the decades long slide in Illinois' manufacturing base. Additionally, we will see a continued exodus of retirees to more sunny and tax favorable climates. Neither are a good way to grow Illinois.
Second, all the political posturing about how certain groups of needy citizens are going to get hurt more as budget cuts in social services ensue, is a bunch of nonsense. As the Republican leadership in the Illinois legislature so ably point out, the money is there for these social services to be carried out. The Republicans are also pushing for urgently needed reforms to avoid future budget crisis's. These reforms need to happen now!
Finally, there are other items that can be cut from this budget that would not adversely impact basic governmental functions. Since tax dollars are fungible, The Governor would do well to veto the capital improvement bill, send it back to the legislature and ask the politicos to prioritize the projects. Ask them to save some taxpayer dough.
It is imperative that the politicians in Springfield begin to build a better Illinois during these tough economic times. The state politicos need to build a strong business environment to attract business and industry as well as create home grown businesses. Job creation should be the top goal of our politicians. The first step towards that end is to create a favorable tax climate.
Another area that Illinois needs to strengthen is its vibrant Independent Sector. One avenue to do that is to actually cut funding to social service agencies that are not directly part of Illinois government (ie: grants,special earmarks, etc.). At the same time provide a tax credit to businesses and individuals that make donations/contributions to charitable organizations that provide social services. This would be a great way to build up the Independent Sector while at the same time de-fund the Poverty Industry.
Should the Governor follow the road map above he could regain his Reform label once again. Failing to do so would relegate Illinois to a third rate state.
Now Governor proposes a budget that both increases government spending and seeks to increase taxes. Perhaps it is time to drop the "Reform" label. The Governor's proposed "temporary" increase in the personal income tax as well as increase the state's business tax is the wrong way to move Illinois forward.
First, to increase taxes during troubled economic times is antithetical to any type of pro-growth policies. A raise in taxes will only continue the decades long slide in Illinois' manufacturing base. Additionally, we will see a continued exodus of retirees to more sunny and tax favorable climates. Neither are a good way to grow Illinois.
Second, all the political posturing about how certain groups of needy citizens are going to get hurt more as budget cuts in social services ensue, is a bunch of nonsense. As the Republican leadership in the Illinois legislature so ably point out, the money is there for these social services to be carried out. The Republicans are also pushing for urgently needed reforms to avoid future budget crisis's. These reforms need to happen now!
Finally, there are other items that can be cut from this budget that would not adversely impact basic governmental functions. Since tax dollars are fungible, The Governor would do well to veto the capital improvement bill, send it back to the legislature and ask the politicos to prioritize the projects. Ask them to save some taxpayer dough.
It is imperative that the politicians in Springfield begin to build a better Illinois during these tough economic times. The state politicos need to build a strong business environment to attract business and industry as well as create home grown businesses. Job creation should be the top goal of our politicians. The first step towards that end is to create a favorable tax climate.
Another area that Illinois needs to strengthen is its vibrant Independent Sector. One avenue to do that is to actually cut funding to social service agencies that are not directly part of Illinois government (ie: grants,special earmarks, etc.). At the same time provide a tax credit to businesses and individuals that make donations/contributions to charitable organizations that provide social services. This would be a great way to build up the Independent Sector while at the same time de-fund the Poverty Industry.
Should the Governor follow the road map above he could regain his Reform label once again. Failing to do so would relegate Illinois to a third rate state.
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