IL Supreme Court Upholds Construction Plan, Video Poker Funding

IL Supreme Court Upholds Construction Plan, Video Poker Funding

The Illinois Supreme Court gave a thumbs up to Governor Pat Quinn's showcase $31 billion public works program and the video poker that's supposed to help pay for it.

The 7-0 ruling allows state lawmakers and the governor to exhale after an appellate court had thrown out the deal earlier this year. You can read the state Supreme Court opinion here.

More than just bricks-and-mortar projects involving schools, roads and sewers were at stake in the ruling. Also at issue were new and controversial sources of state revenue: increases in driver's license and license plate fees; higher taxes on alcohol, candy, soft drinks and beauty products; and the video gambling. All were targeted to cover the cost of construction bonds plus interest.

(More on Illinois state construction program . . . )

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