Quote:
Originally Posted by lilprog
Halsted-
Having lived in this state for 30 years and seeing how much corruption happens here on a regular basis, is it to conspiracy theorist to say that this will get done, it`s just a matter of everyone getting their piece of the pie under the table?
Well I don't think you need to call it a conspiracy theory, under the table or just Illinois politics. This is how the process works everywhere from what I hear.
Let me explain and then Ill give our situation:
A legislator introduces a bill, normally the bill is from one of his/her constituents, someone he knows, or from a agency/lobbyist/organization.
The bill gets sent to a committee
The bill gets supported or opposed by all the relevant entities. So in our case the IGB with the state, Casinos, horse tracks, Illinois lottery, the State House of Reps, and the Governor.
And if you can get enough of agreement to pass both houses and the Gov office you are good to go. But you want the support of all of them if possible.
So for us:
IGB - opposes - willing to work with the sponsors to move to neutral
Casinos - proponents
Horse Track - proponent
Illinois Lottery - proponent
State Senate - proponent
State House - I don't know yet
Governor - I would say neutral leaning opponent
Thats not bad. I would forget about IGB because in this bills case they are putting the responsibility mainly under the Illinois Lottery. If we were opposed by say the Department of Revenue that could kill a bill believe it or not.
The Casinos could change their mind b/c of poker stars recent involvement but I think at this point we are in the clear (i know the lobbyist for Caesars so i will know if anything changes) The Casinos held us up last year, that was the issue and I think we have moved pass it.
State Senate - the Senate President told me personally he has the votes to pass it. Thats big.
The only issue I know of (and there may be others) is the issue of who runs it. Cullerton wants Mike Jones of the Lottery and Quinn wants someone else (might be Judge Jaffe of the IGB, who we dont want)
I hope that doesnt hold up the bill. I think we have a real solid chance and we will know by May 30th (end of session).
So i will say we have about 75% chance right now, obv could change