Illinois
Casino Law Upheld
As reported by the Chicago
Sun Times: "A 1999 law that required state
casino regulators to relocate Emerald Casino's
dormant gaming license from the Mississippi
River to a location of Emerald's choosing --
northwest suburban Rosemont -- is not "special
legislation" that would require the law
to be struck down, the state's high court ruled
Thursday.
"Illinois Attorney General Lisa
Madigan joined with the Better Government Association
and Arlington Heights resident Philip N. Crusius
in hopes of declaring the law unconstitutional.
"They argued it was improper for the Legislature
to, in essence, help a particular company boost
its bottom line. They also claimed the law undercut
the Illinois Gaming Board's authority to regulate
and discipline Emerald.
"Justice Rita Garman addressed both issues
in a 10-page opinion. The General Assembly had
the right to authorize the relocation of Emerald's
license because of the state's requirement that
casinos -- through the tax dollars they produce
-- be used to 'achieve the economic goals of
assisting development, promoting tourism and
generating revenue for education…"
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