EFFINGHAM —
If Effingham County Fair and 4-H officials have their way, Gov. Pat Quinn’s office will be inundated by expressions of support for legislation that would dramatically increase gaming opportunities in the state.
While it’s doubtful fair officials — or anybody in Effingham County — cares about new casinos in the Chicago area, local folks are excited about increased funds for fairs and 4-H programs that the legislation is expected to create.
Fair Board president Phil Hartke said at a Thursday morning gathering at the fair grandstand that county fairs are expected to split $5 million a year as a result of the legislation. Other beneficiaries, he said, include soil and water conservation districts, $10 million per year; University of Illinois Extension, $4 million; forestry assistance, $1 million; state historic sites, $2.5 million; and state parks, $2.5 million.
Soil & Water Conservation president Dan Doedtman encouraged people to contact Quinn’s office to show support for the bill. Charlie Niehaus, who manages the fair’s website, said the website has a link to Quinn’s office.
Other speakers included Marilyn Schaefer of the Homemakers Extension groups, 4-H show superintendents Bob Westendorf and Michelle Loy, longtime 4-H leader Charles Voelker, Effingham County Board Chairwoman Carolyn Willenburg and Altamont Mayor Larry Taylor.
While the bill does not allow gambling at horse racing tracks on county fairgrounds, such as Effingham, a prominent horseman said expected revenue from gaming opportunities created by SB 744 could save the Illinois horse industry.
“Senate Bill 744, if signed into law, would offer a revenue stream to sustain county fairs and all types of horse breeding in Illinois and would probably be the biggest boost to the agricultural economy in any of our lifetimes,” said Fair Meadow Farm owner Carl Becker in a prepared statement that Hartke read.
Without the help, Becker said, county fair horse programs could be seriously imperiled.
Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said Thursday that Quinn is reviewing the complex legislation, which is more than 400 pages long.
“He and his team are conducting an extensive review to determine whether this bill puts the people of Illinois first,” Anderson said.
Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 132 or bill.grimes@effinghamdailynews.com.
Local News
Related Photos
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Soil and Water Conservation District President Dan Doedtman speaks in favor of Senate Bill 744 at a Thursday morning gathering in the grandstand at Effingham County Fairgrounds. Bill Grimes
Discussion
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