House Democrats: little chance of passing capital plan

By RAY LONG and JEFFREY MEITRODT
5/28/08

Gov. Rod Blagojevich joined top legislators from both parties and labor leaders Wednesday in a show of support for a stalled $31 billion statewide construction program, saying he wanted it passed by week’s end.

Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) stood alongside Rep. Tom Cross of Oswego and Sen. Frank Watson of Greenville, the two Republican leaders, a few steps outside the governor’s Capitol office.

But House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) wasn't there, and Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) gave little hope that construction program would pass before Saturday’s adjournment deadline.

nThe chances of both chambers approving the proposal by Saturday is "between little and nil" by Saturday’s end, Currie said during an interview in the House chamber.

The construction program would be paid for by putting a land-based casino in Chicago, allowing slot machines at horse-racing tracks and leasing up to 80 percent of the Illinois Lottery.

Currie said House Democrats are "open" to considering a gambling expansion, but still want a series of ethical reforms sought by Madigan. She noted "significant concerns" about a long-term lottery lease.

Currie also said she is worried about a provision in Blagojevich's capital plan that would skim from other parts of the state budget a portion of the state's gas tax windfall from higher fuel prices to help cover construction costs.

Even so, Cross said the construction plan is "something we desperately need to do."

Jones said the program would be passed quickly because it is needed now to pay for roads, bridges and schools throughout Illinois.

Blagojevich called the gathering of support a "significant step" toward getting the program passed by Saturday.

At this point, however, it's still a tall order for the House and Senate to even come together on a basic operating budget before midnight Saturday. Going into overtime on June 1 would mean Republicans would have a bigger voice on almost every pending issue.

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