IL Lawmakers Still Have Hope for Gambling Expansion

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The sponsor of legislation to add five new casinos in Illinois says Gov. Pat Quinn has been unwilling to negotiate a compromise. But he remains hopeful one can be reached. Democrat Rep. Lou Lang says he questions whether Quinn wants a deal before the end of the legislative session. Quinn has not met with either of the bill’s sponsors.

A spokesperson for the governor says his priority is pension reform. Quinn vetoed the bill that would have added slot machines at horse racing tracks in addition to casinos because it lacked ethical protections. Lang says legislators will try again next session if there isn’t a deal before Jan. 9.