Urbana mayor proposes alternative on video gambling
URBANA – Mayor Laurel Prussing on Monday night presented a plan to find the “middle ground” in response to a statewide bill that mandates video gambling as a way to pay for part of the state's $31 billion capital bill.
The bill offered what Prussing called an “either-or” option, which allows municipalities to either ban video gambling or require that businesses with the gambling stations to buy new machines and tie into a statewide system.
“I thought that was too rigid,” Prussing said.
Prussing said her plan would allow businesses in Urbana that already have the gaming stations to keep their machines without opening the city to legalized gambling.
Under her plan, liquor license holders with the gaming stations would be required to apply for a new license. That license would mean a higher fee for those wishing to maintain gaming stations, and it would require that no one under 21 years old be allowed to enter the business.
“We do have a decision that needs to be made,” Prussing said. “We're either going to ban this, or we're not. And if we're not, I'm trying to find some kind of middle ground.”
Urbana should ignore these opt-out proposals and fully support the Illinois Capital Plan by allowing video gambling. The area will receive over $200 million in local capital projects including construction at the University of Illinois and funding for the Urbana Park District. These projects will create jobs for local men and women. Urbana needs to make sure these important projects are fully funded and can do so by approving video gaming. Local businesses in the area will profit from the machines to help stimulate economic growth. The Urbana government will receive over ½ million in revenue from video gaming to use on more local projects and create even more jobs. To learn more about the state capital plan, visit backtoworkillinois.com.
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