from the Bob for Illinois campaign
NAPERVILLE –Bob Schillerstrom released the following statement Friday regarding 15-year State Senator Kirk Dillard’s vote against House Bill 1306, which would allow Video Poker operators to stay in business even if local governments ban the machines. Dillard voted in May to move Video Poker into Illinois communities, saying he felt immense pressure to make a decision. He has since said he opposes the gambling expansion.
“Kirk Dillard did better, this time, in voting to protect the right of local governments to ban Video Poker – and it is unfortunate others in the Senate did not do the same. Dillard’s vote reflects his latest position of opposing Video Poker, even though he voted for it in May, and it is the right decision for our communities, even if late.
“It is worth noting that after voting for the bill, Dillard explained he felt like ‘I had a gun to my head’ because of pressure from Labor Unions. If Video Poker had been subject to the 72-hour public review period I advocate for all Springfield spending, tax and budget bills, the Senator would have had the time to move beyond the voices of special interests and consult constituents. He would have had time to weigh the consequences of Video Poker on our communities. He would have had time to fully consider the bill and determine his position before casting a vote.
“It’s too late for Dillard in this case, but we can stop such post-vote regret in the future by giving Springfield legislation a much-needed 72-hour Timeout.”
