Tagged: casinos

Illinois lawmakers are set to meet every day through May 31st when the session is scheduled to adjourn.  Plans for the next state budget are expected to begin surfacing this week.

Other major issues before legislators include the state's pensions, same-sex marriage, and new casinos.

The House and Senate are working on dueling versions - the Senate, for example, is expected to fight against cuts to education.

Gov. Pat Quinn waited until the last minute to act on a plan that would have given Illinois five new casinos – including one in Rockford – and allowed slot machines at horse race tracks.  

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey expressed disappointment at the veto but was optimistic that a Rockford-based casino could be approved in the November veto session.

Governor Pat Quinn refuses to be pinned down on what he'll do with legislation that expands gambling in Illinois -- creating five new casinos in cities like Chicago ... Rockford ... and Danville. Gov. Quinn will once again have the opportunity to approve or veto gambling legislation. But unlike past bills, this time it's take-it-or-leave-it -- the legislature won't have the chance to override a potential veto.