Hawthorne Racecourse (7/13/12)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
We need your help to pass gambling expansion legislation
Recently our state legislators approved a Gambling Expansion package that was sent to Governor Quinn. Senate Bill 1849 will have a tremendous impact on racing at Hawthorne and in Illinois. This bill allows for slots at Illinois racetracks that would make Illinois second in the nation in horsemen's purses.
This 400 percent purse increase will not only secure the jobs of 30,000 in the Illinois racing industry but also create tens of thousands of new jobs. At Hawthorne, fans and horsemen will experience a $150 million renovation of our grandstand, which includes new restaurants, party rooms, parking and state-of-the-art amenities for handicappers.
Outside of racing at Hawthorne, Senate Bill 1849 will have a huge impact in the state of Illinois. This bill will create over 20,000 new jobs in Illinois. This bill will generate over $1.5 billion in new taxes and licensing fees for Illinois. This bill will also create nearly $3.5 billion in new economic impact to our state.
Hawthorne has joined the Illinois Revenue & Jobs Alliance whose mission is to pass this legislation and have it signed into law. This legislation is now passed and the state of Illinois will see immediate benefits once this bill is signed by Governor Quinn. We invite you to join us:
But most importantly, tell your friends and family to do the same. Several independent polls show that Illinois voters overwhelmingly support gambling expansion--particularly the addition of slots at race tracks.
On behalf of everyone at Hawthorne, thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Tim Carey
President and General Manager
