In the midst of back room deal making and arm twisting Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington stood firm against gambling expansion. We were surprised that so few legislators recognized not only the potential harm that video poker and Internet Lottery would bring to the area, individuals and families, but also that gambling is an unstable source of revenue that has never solved any problems in the state.

We applaud the legislators who voted against this faulty plan to increase gambling availability while placing our state further in debt.

Illinois has not yet paid off the capital construction programs of two former governors - James Thompson's Build Illinois and George Ryan's Illinois FIRST. Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be strapped with this debt.

We need sound policies and strong leaders, not more gambling and more debt. As the Legislature comes back to Springfield to again address the construction bill and budget, we ask for prayers for Gov. Quinn and the legislators. We pray that God will guide and direct them to do what is right and just.

Anita Bedell

Springfield

The writer is executive director,

Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems.