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Illinois plans to garner poker machine money, issue state-owned poker machines  Share
The State of Illinois will soon be garnishing money made in establishments who have poker machines to rebuild the state budget. According to Moose Lodge #779 Governor Bill Drummond in Lawrenceville, the organizations who keep their doors open via use of the income will experience a deficit that could likely cause them to close. The domino effect would also effect the community for which it provides numerous benefits and programs for young and old alike. The local lodge has been a longstanding supporter of school and community needs, making regular donations throughout the more-than-75 years it has been in existence. Annually, donations totaling $50,000 are given back to the community. Due to the struggling economy, however, Drummond said that ''only'' $32,285 has been handed out this year. In the past, the local fire and police departments have benefited from the donations with purchases of bullet proof vests, guns and other equipment and support of the K-9 unit. Hair-cuts are provided to the women of the United Methodist Village long term healthcare facility who cannot afford them. In addition, scholarships have been awarded to both Red Hill High School and Lawrenceville High School seniors.
Girl and Boy Scouts, as well as sponsorship of numerous sports leagues, have also been assisted by the Moose. ''We're going to have kids getting in trouble because these programs won't exist,'' Drummond said. The lodge is also responsible for the purchase of a $2,500 ice machine for the Lawrenceville Senior Citizens Center. These donations, Drummond, sadly added, ''are going to be a thing of the past.'' Currently, the state receives 30 percent of the machines' profits. The vendor receives 35 percent and the Moose lodge receives 35 percent. The Moose also pays $35 a year for a stamp license. The State plans to reduce the number of machines in the state to 100,000. The state will also own the machines. This means that the chapter's machines will be reduced from 15 down to five or maybe none at all. Drummond suggests that the state should just raise the $35 license stamp to $100 which would generate $70 million per year from establishments around the state. The Lawrenceville Moose Lodge is paid up until July 31 on their stamp license. However, it has not been announced when the new law will go into effect. The Lawrenceville lodge has a membership of 900 men. There are 440 women in the Moose Auxiliary Chapter 162. ''We have one of the best auxiliaries in the state,'' Drummond said. There have been petitions circulating opposing this state mandate. Drummond is also encouraging citizens to contact legislators to reverse this decision. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
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