Update on Slots at the Track 11-9-2011 Posted On:Nov 10, 2011 | Posted By:Glen
UPDATE ON SLOTS-AT-TRACKS
NOVEMBER 9, 2011
SB 1849 (LINK/LANG) FIRST ATTEMPT COMES UP SHORT
The final “agreed” legislative language was filed as House Amendments #2 and #3 -- both being adopted to SB 1849 (Link/Lang) this evening in the House.Again, most of the language changes from SB 744 involved additional regulatory authority (from the Governor’s conceptual “framework” proposal) and modifying racing guarantees (starting at a minimum of 1,950 and increasing in stages, depending on the performance of the slots, to more than 2,500).The horsemen’s purse rates from slots revenues did not change.The end of recapture did not change.
Rep. Lou Lang called SB 1849 for a vote this late this evening.A very spirited debate on the revised gaming proposal lasted for more than an hour.Once called for a vote, SB 1849 received only 58 “yes” votes -- two shy of the required 60 “yes” votes for passage.SB 1849 was then placed on the order of Postponed Consideration so that the bill can be voted on again tomorrow, November 10 -- allowing the bill’s sponsor and supporters additional time to find the needed votes for passage.It is worth noting that three State Representatives were not present: Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago), a supporter; Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove), believed to be a supporter; and the now-vacant Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) seat, due to his recent retirement.
This has happened to the slots-at-tracks legislation before.ITHA and the entire horse racing industry are working hard to ensure SB 1849 obtains the required votes for passage when called for another vote tomorrow, Thursday, November 10.
Please call all of your local legislators to support SB 1849 to ensure the continued viability of the Illinois horse racing and breeding industries and the related agri-business associated with those industries.
