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Brady praises construction projects despite 'no' vote
By Kurt Erickson
kurt.erickson@lee.net
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SPRINGFIELD — Millions of dollars in projects could come to Central Illinois as part of a statewide construction program, state Sen. Bill Brady said in a two-page press release Monday.

Nowhere in the release, however, does the former gubernatorial candidate explain that he voted against a way to pay for many of the projects.

The Bloomington Republican was among 15 senators who voted “no” last week on a plan to expand gambling in Illinois in order to generate the billions of dollars that will fund the statewide construction program.

Brady did vote in favor of two components of the proposal, which is now awaiting action in the House. He supported provisions that outline how the money will be spent and on which projects, but he voted “no” when it came to the gambling expansion idea.

“I can understand somehow this looking hypocritical, but yet it’s decisions we’re faced with every day,” Brady said.

He contends some of the projects he supports could be financed regardless of whether the casino plan moves forward.

Under that plan, which received support from nine of Brady’s GOP colleagues, Chicago would get a new casino and two others would be allowed to open in undetermined locations. The state’s nine existing casinos would also be allowed to expand their positions.

The money generated by the massive gambling expansion would pay for the loans the state will take out to launch the $13 billion program.

The proposal faces dubious prospects in the House, where leaders on both sides of the aisle have expressed doubts about that chamber approving such a large expansion.

In Brady’s 44th Senate District, money would go to the Bloomington airport, Illinois State University and for a variety of road construction projects, Brady said.

But, in the release, Brady also mentions money for projects that aren’t in his district, including improvements at the Decatur Civic Center and the Decatur airport.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, said he is concerned that his constituents might get excited about the prospect of new projects coming to their hometowns when the proposal remains in limbo in the House.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich have been at odds over budget issues for months. Madigan said he is unsure whether there is support for gambling expansion in the chamber.

“The drama is not played out yet,” said Mitchell.

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Reader comments on this story - 8 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

to: to this is wrote on Sep 26, 2007 6:22 AM:

" Agree whole heartily that Madigan and Blago are pitiful and should be booted out if it were only possible. Was just pointing out that this is how GOPers operate time and again on funding issues. Now let's not role all Democratic legislatures in with Blago, Madigan and Jones. Believe there have been many of them who have been quite vocal in their opposition to the big three. "

Remember when wrote on Sep 25, 2007 1:16 PM:

" Time the 1970's... Gambling/Lottery was going to save our schools and Nuclear Energy was to lower our electric.... promises and lies...Give a hoot don't polute. Now we just speak of organic and green. Old problems renamed. "

G Man wrote on Sep 25, 2007 11:37 AM:

" How bout starting with the payraises you clowns give yourselves as a start to help finance any projects ? "

Illinois First wrote on Sep 25, 2007 11:33 AM:

" Sen. Brady did the same thing on Illinois First. I saw hime stand up at the Fox Creek Grade School opening and take credit for building the school with Illinois first money. The only problem was, that he voted agianst the Illinois first plan. "

GREAT wrote on Sep 25, 2007 9:15 AM:

" TYPICAL TYPICAL TYPICAL "

To This is wrote on Sep 25, 2007 8:19 AM:

" Sorry buddy, but Illinois Dumbocratic legislators have already proven themselves to be the most corrupt and incompetent @#*!* in state history. Blago and Jones, 'nough said. "

This is wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:53 AM:

" the way GOPer legislators often operate. They vote against plans to better the public but then fight like @#%& to get more pennies than anyone else. Yes, it is hypocritical but they can convince the " gullible" that they are above board ! "

AN Illness wrote on Sep 25, 2007 4:18 AM:

" Gambling is an illness. Does the state recognize this?? Sure they do but do they want too?? hell no.. they are encouraging it. More casino's.. more broken families.. more people losing what they worked hard for.. .... it just doesnt stop. We are basing our construction and children 's education dollars on the hard luc k of other people. Doesn't anyone else see that as a problem? "
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