Emanuel Says Casino Profits Would Support Education

Blackjack, craps and poker may be the answer to improving Chicago’s school facilities according to a pledge made by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Emanuel announced Monday that if Chicago acquires a casino, all of the profits would go towards education.

"I want to build them new schools with science and lab facilities and libraries and gyms so they can compete in the 21st century," Emanuel said.

Emanuel stated that while other casinos in Illinois give their profits to private investors, Chicago would be different, using the funds to improve public schooling.

In November, Gov. Pat Quinn and Emanuel seemed close to a deal regarding a Chicago casino.

But Quinn last week vetoed the bill that would have added casinos in Chicago, Lake County, Rockford, Danville and the south suburbs, as well as allowed slot machines at race tracks, the Chicago airports and the state fairgrounds due to its lack of financial support for education.

An Illinois Senate committee approved a new casino legislation including a Chicago casino, hoping to finally close the deal.
 

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