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Legislature Moving Parts of Budget

File photo from BlueroomStream.com

The Illinois Senate passed its version of a state budget Wednesday.

There's a broad consensus that Illinois' next budget will cut two-point-seven billion dollars from the state's program of health care for the poor, Medicaid.

Earlier this week, it looked like a deal was near. But yesterday, a crucial voting bloc started backing away.

Representative Monique Davis and other African-American legislators say cuts to Medicaid would disproportionately affect their constituents.

Davis, a Chicago Democrat, says the state is looking for revenue for OTHER programs ... like a two-dollar fee to support the state parks run by the Department of Natural Resources.
 
"So it amazes me that we could think that the Department of Natural Resources is more important than the lives of individuals."
 
African-American legislators say lawmakers should be looking for new sources of revenue to support health care for the poor.

Meanwhile in the House, in a 69 to 47 vote, passed a gambling expansion bill that would create new casinos and slot machines at the state's racetracks.

Representative Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat, says it will bring in Illinois money it needs, as the state faces steep budget cuts.
 
"As we go through the budget process we see that we're not doing well enough. We haven't created enough jobs. We don't have enough revenue. Is this a panacea for all of our ills? Of course not. Can it be step to build a better economy? Absolutely it can."
 
A gambling bill passed by the legislature last year, but never sent to Governor Pat Quinn for his signature, included the creation of five new casinos, including the first one in Chicago.

A report released by the governor's office in November said a gambling expansion would bring in about $160 million in new annual revenue, not the $1 billion increase claimed by some.

The measure approved Wednesday won't allow slots at airports or state fairgrounds.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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