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By The Associated Press | Wednesday, May 21, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
CHICAGO -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Tuesday he is rejecting gambling expansion as a solution to the state's budget problems, urging lawmakers to control government spending instead.
"Gambling cannot be part of the solution until Springfield reforms its habits and learns to keep spending in check," Blagojevich said in a speech to the Civic Federation of Chicago. "I will not sign this budget if it relies on any expansion of gambling."
Blagojevich did not spell out what he considers expansion. Lawmakers argue some of the measures they are considering do not amount to expansion.
But the governor's aides later said Blagojevich would not consider any proposal beyond selling the state's unused 10th riverboat casino license, which his budget proposal relies on for revenue.
The Democratic governor stressed that lawmakers should pass his proposed budget or come up with a way to pay for any changes without raising taxes or expanding gambling. Otherwise, Blagojevich warned, he will reject their budget legislation.
"If it means we're in session all summer long, so be it," Blagojevich said. "If we don't use this crisis as an opportunity for change, we never will."
In recent weeks, Blagojevich had appeared to be wavering in his opposition to gambling expansion, arguing that it "would be irresponsible for me to simply shut the door" on the idea.
That opened the door to a spate of expansion bills in Springfield.
One proposal would allow slot machines at horseracing tracks. Supporters say that simply allows a different kind of gambling at existing locations, so it does not expand gambling. Likewise, they say letting existing riverboat casinos add more slot machines would not be an expansion.
Other proposals include legalizing video poker -- an idea Blagojevich rejected Sunday -- allowing a casino in Chicago and adding two casinos in the Chicago suburbs.
Blagojevich's proposed budget includes $200 million from higher taxes and fees for casinos and $350 million from selling the existing but unused casino license.
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