Members of the Illinois Senate have approved legislation that will allow for a new Danville casino, sending the bill to Governor JB Pritzker who has already said he will sign it.
State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) voted Sunday afternoon to approve a bipartisan capital improvement budget and legislation to bring a long-awaited casino to Danville. So did Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet. ”Throughout my legislative career, I have fought for Danville and East Central Illinois to have this kind of economic opportunity and the jobs it will bring to our area,” said Senator Rose.
The multi-billion dollar investment will create jobs, modernize the state’s infrastructure and include funds for the 52nd District to finance needed construction projects, said Senator Bennett. He adds it allocates funding for transportation projects including roads and bridges, education infrastructure, state facilities, environmental conservation projects and mental health care and human services centers.
The comprehensive capital plan also includes a measure to expand gaming in Illinois. Senate Bill 690 would authorize the building of six new casinos throughout the state, including one in Danville.
“We’ve been trying to bring a casino to Danville for years, and I’m thrilled that we finally have that chance,” Bennett said. “This tremendous opportunity to create revenue, jobs and economic growth in Danville is a direct result of the tireless advocacy from a coalition of Vermilion County elected officials who fought for decades to include Danville in gaming expansion in our state.” Senator Bennett noted he has been working on trying to get a casino for Danville for five years, and he also noted the efforts of State Representative Mike Marron in the Illinois House. But even if the Governor signs the bill, Bennett noted there is a lot to do before a casino could come to Danville. Such as the company that wants to bring one here would have to get an expensive gaming license and put up millions of dollars before construction could ever begin.
Sports betting would also be legalized under the bill. Existing casinos, races tracks and sports facilities would be allowed to apply for a license.
Bennett said a casino will help Danville and Illinois remain competitive with other states, bring both temporary and permanent jobs and create much-needed local revenue for the area.
“This will provide an economic spark for the economy in Danville,” Bennett said. “This is revenue that could be invested in schools, public health and social services or workforce training and job development that can help families and communities in the area.”
”I would like to thank the local leaders in Danville and Vermilion County for continuing to push this important project,” added Senator Rose. ”I would be remiss if I didn’t thank former Representatives Bill Black and Chad Hays, Senators Judy Meyers and Rick Winkel, and former mayor Scott Eisenhauer, who championed this cause for many years,” added Rose.
Having received the approval of the Illinois House and Senate, the capital plan and gaming expansion proposal now heads to the governor for consideration.
