Ill. Lawmaker Won’t Call Gambling Expansion Plan

The backer of a plan to expand gambling in Illinois says he won't call the bill for a vote until the fall because he doesn't have key support.

State Rep. Bob Rita released a statement to The Associated Press Friday saying the timing isn't right.

Lawmakers adjourn this week for the summer and are piecing together a budget ahead of the deadline.
 
Rita says he's worked for over a year to get a vote, but wants to garner more support from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn. He says he also needs to solve revenue sharing disputes.

Several gambling proposals have failed in recent years. One calls for five new casionos, including one in Danville. 

A plan last year wasn't called for a vote and two previous plans have been vetoed by Quinn.