Illinois Supreme Court upholds public works plan

[July 12, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- The Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld a law that created a $31 billion statewide construction program, averting a threat to the thousands of jobs the projects created.

The decision also removes a roadblock to allowing video gambling at bars, restaurants and truck stops across Illinois.

The court on Monday unanimously rejected arguments that lawmakers improperly mixed different issues in a single law.

Lawmakers approved the public works program in 2009, deciding to fund the construction by raising taxes on liquor and candy, as well as legalizing video gambling.

Chicago Blackhawks owner and liquor distributor Rocky Wirtz challenged the law. An appeals court agreed with him that it violated a requirement that laws be limited to one topic. The Supreme Court said it all was connected to the construction program.

[Associated Press; By CHRISTOPHER WILLS]

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