Illinois Governor Favors Income Tax Jump Over Gambling Bill

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn told reporters Monday that raising the state income tax is more important during the upcoming legislative session than passing a gaming bill that could create over a billion dollars in revenue. Quinn admitted he hadn’t seen the bill suggesting 4 new casino licenses, slots at tracks, and more games per casino, but still criticized it as “top-heavy.”

Quinn said raising income tax a point, to four percent, would bring in $3 billion. Quinn was a major supporter of a gambling bill that was trumpeted to fund $30 billion in intrastructure improvements, only to see many recipients reject the bar and restaurant slot machines in their local regions.

Terry Link, the state Senator who sponsored the gaming bill, said,” This bill has a very good chance of passing, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Quinn acknowledged he would have to become more familiar with the gambling proposition if it passes. The governor said its his job to study all legislation that crosses his desk.

Link asserts that his bill has far more support in the state legislator than the income tax proposal, which many consider political suicide.