Thursday, March 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
One of the measures rejected Wednesday would have required a statewide advisory vote on whether gambling should be expanded.
"It's very important that if we consider expanding the number of (riverboat casino) licenses, all citizens should have a voice in that," said the sponsor, Rep. Julie Curry, D-Decatur.
Several lawmakers slipped away from the Executive Committee before the vote, which defeated the plan 3-4 Wednesday.
Gambling opponent Anita Bedell called the defeat proof that lawmakers plan to expand gambling.
"To me, it's an indication that a casino deal is in the works, and it's obvious they don't want the people to vote," said Bedell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol Problems.
Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, has been drafting an extensive gambling package that is expected to be unveiled within weeks. While he will not disclose specifics, Lang has talked about increasing the state's number of riverboat licenses beyond the current 10, adding land-based casinos and putting slot machines at racetracks.
The second bill in the Executive Committee would have required a local referendum in any community where a new riverboat was proposed.
It also required applicants for new gambling licenses to offer competitive bids and barred casino owners from contributing to state politicians.
That bill, sponsored by Rep. Dave Winters, R-Rockford, failed 6-7.
archive
