Senate leader talks of changing gambling expansion bill

[September 21, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- To appease concerns expressed by Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says he is open to reducing the number of positions in the gambling expansion lawmakers passed this spring.

The Chicago Tribune reports Cullerton also says he is willing to drop year-round horse racing with slot machines at the state fairgrounds in Springfield. But he says getting rid of slot machines at other horse tracks would jeopardize legislator support for the bill.

Quinn has harped about insufficient regulation in the bill and recently said he is worried it could shortchange education funding.

Lawmakers have held on to the bill since May to try to deal with Quinn's concerns.

Cullerton said Monday he has talked with Quinn and hopes an agreement can be reached during the fall veto session.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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