By STEVE BINDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Using the popular Illinois State Fair as a backdrop, hundreds of agriculture industry leaders last week flooded the fairgrounds on Governor’s Day to try to win support for a controversial gambling expansion bill.
Farm officials also are using smaller county fairs throughout the state this summer as settings for pro-gambling expansion rallies, including one last week at the Winnebago County Fair; nearby Rockford is fighting for one of the new casino licenses under the proposed law.

County fair associations, 4-H leaders, conservation officials and Farm Bureau members were represented in Springfield. If Gov. Pat Quinn signs the bill, agriculture stands to receive millions in revenue for various programs.
Jim Anderson, with the Winnebago County Fair Assoc., said cutbacks have been the norm for fair groups in recent years. “Some fairs have had to cut back on their shows. This is a source of revenue we think we can tap, and it will be good for the fair,” he said.

So far, Quinn hasn’t said much publicly about the gaming legislation, but what he has said indicates it’s possible he may use his amendatory veto power to alter parts of the bill. He already did say he isn’t a big fan of an element of the expansion legislation that would allow slot machines at all horse racing locations in the state, including at the fairgrounds where harness racing takes place during the fair.

Without elaborating, Quinn has said the bill is too “top heavy,” and he shares concerns recently raised by the head of the state’s gaming board, that the expanded gaming climate will be difficult to police.
“It’s great for gamblers, and for gambling interests,” Quinn said earlier this month. “But it’s not, in my opinion, strong enough when it comes to protecting the public.”

The expansion bill allows for the addition of six new casinos, including one in Chicago, and video play at all horse tracks. Senate Bill 744 includes money specifically earmarked for ag purposes, such as $5 million for county fairs; $10 million for soil and water conversation districts; $4 million for University of Illinois extension; $1 million for the Forestry Fund for Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Forestry Assistance Program; $2.5 million for the state’s historic sites; $2.5 million Parks and Conservation Fund for operations costs; and $100,000 in equine research to Illinois public universities.

At least one state lawmaker cautioned if Quinn tinkers with the bill too much, it could be difficult to get enough legislators to support any changes he makes. Lawmakers downstate and in Chicago generally support the measure.

“There’s a unique opportunity for tourism in Chicago. And if he doesn’t pass a part of it down here with the state fair, chances are he’s not going to have the southern Republican votes to pass” the one casino in Chicago, said state Rep. Rich Brauer (R-District 100), whose district is just north of Springfield.