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Quinn OKs legalized video gambling to pay for construction program
Posted by Monique Garcia at 1:25 p.m.

Gov. Pat Quinn today signed legislation creating a statewide construction program that will be funded by raising motorist fees, increasing liquor taxes and legalizing video gambling in bars and restaurants around Illinois.

Quinn claimed the new investment in roads, mass transit and new schools would create or retain more than 400,000 jobs.

The building program has been mired in politics for weeks as Quinn and lawmakers are at an impasse over the state budget. After first saying the construction legislation and the budget were not politically linked, Quinn then made approval of a balanced spending plan a condition for signing it into law.

But the rookie governor changed his mind again, and today he touted the program as a big boost for the struggling economy. He and legislative leaders are expected to meet later today in Springfield to discuss a state spending plan that is still in limbo.

Several top lawmakers, as well as Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, attended the signing ceremony at a Chicago high school. The crowd also was full of labor union members who expect to get a lot of work from the construction program.