The Illinois Senate recently met to discuss options for bailing out Chicago schools and public transit, both of which are necessary commodities in a global city like Chicago, and both of which are in dire need of financial aid. Story here. The Senate approved a bill (HB2035 and SB1110) that would allow for 3 new casinos (one built right in Chicago City proper) that would offer the $200 million dollar break RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) needs to get back on its feet (er…rails).

I take issue with this “solution” for several reasons.

First - its just buying time. The Chicago transit system is still going to need to find a way to make a profit after its loans are paid off.

Second - this gambling expansion plan will hurt the working poor who are more susceptible to gambling.

Granted, senators were divided 37-15 on the vote, and many voiced similar concerns and Governor Rod Blagojevich seemed to make it clear that this was a temporary solution that may or may not ever come to fruition. The RTA still hasn’t even taken a position on whether or not they approve of the plan!

I’m writing to voice my concern against this bill and am adding my voice to (hopefully) myriad others who find exploitation of the working class to be a crime. Instead, I suggest we end a variety of tax breaks for businesses (especially larger corporations) to free up tax money to help public transit, and Chicago schools. Why let Big Business get bigger, if the working class is spending all their money at the casino or on a train ticket and not on the market?

This is a chance to work for those working for you.

Illinois Senate - reconsider.

Last 5 posts by Mark

• God is Wholly - October 2nd, 2008
• The Great Moderation - September 30th, 2008

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 at 10:40 pm and is filed under Chicago, Poverty, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.