Here is a piece from the Heartland Alliance and their studies show that poverty is way up in Illinois.
Click here to view the information on the 111th District.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Casino and City Troubles
Here in the Metro East the Casino's contribute alot to the community. The Casino Queen's revenues account for 40 percent of East St. Louis' operating budget and Argosy Casino contributes a huge amount to the city of Alton.
The Casino Queen is bringing in apprx. 13.5 million per month which is 3.5 million less than in 2007 and the Alton Belle's adjusted gross receipts dropped from $11.9 million in 2007 to $7.7 million in 2009. This is a big problem for the cities that rely on this revenue.
Major factors which can be attributed to these losses are:
What can be done? Personally I think if Illinois were to repeal its take on Poker in the Casinos that would help bring in new revenue. Also maybe Obama could give a few more speeches on hope on positivity maybe people will be inclined to have some fun and hit these establishments.
- John Bracamontes
The Casino Queen is bringing in apprx. 13.5 million per month which is 3.5 million less than in 2007 and the Alton Belle's adjusted gross receipts dropped from $11.9 million in 2007 to $7.7 million in 2009. This is a big problem for the cities that rely on this revenue.
Major factors which can be attributed to these losses are:
- The recession that has gripped the nation since last year.
- The statewide smoking ban that went into effect at the beginning of last year has forced smokers to light up outside the casino. When they're outside smoking, they're not inside gambling.
- Repeal of the loss limit law in Missouri.
- The opening last year of Lumiere Place directly across the river from the Casino Queen.
What can be done? Personally I think if Illinois were to repeal its take on Poker in the Casinos that would help bring in new revenue. Also maybe Obama could give a few more speeches on hope on positivity maybe people will be inclined to have some fun and hit these establishments.
- John Bracamontes
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
City Recycling and Revenue
I really feel that we could bring in some additional revenue and act in an environmentally friendly way if the cities within Madison County would simply recycle their waste.
We have tons of city vehicles that need to be maintained routinely and daily. The old oil from these vehicle can be sold to companies that recycle it and use it to create biodiesel fuel, which is definitely environmentally friendly. It can also be used in other applications other than biodiesel.
Other companies recycle cooking oil and create biodiesel fuels as well.
This would create a revenue stream from something that we actually pay to get rid of otherwise.
Simple enough.
- John Bracamontes
We have tons of city vehicles that need to be maintained routinely and daily. The old oil from these vehicle can be sold to companies that recycle it and use it to create biodiesel fuel, which is definitely environmentally friendly. It can also be used in other applications other than biodiesel.
Other companies recycle cooking oil and create biodiesel fuels as well.
This would create a revenue stream from something that we actually pay to get rid of otherwise.
Simple enough.
- John Bracamontes
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
2009 Election Results for Madison County
Alright everyone the votes are in and you can view the results for your City, Township or Village here at http://app1.co.madison.il.us/CountyClerk/Election/General040709/Search/ElectionSearch.cfm
Many close races and some very interesting results.
Roxana even voted in a 19 year old School Board Memeber.
- John Bracamontes
Many close races and some very interesting results.
Roxana even voted in a 19 year old School Board Memeber.
- John Bracamontes
Friday, April 3, 2009
Alton School District and the State
In a recent presentation by the Alton School Superintendent David Elson, there is news that the State is delinquent on paying apprx. 2.7 Million Dollars to the Education Fund.
This is forcing a reduction in almost 3 million dollarrs in cost cutting initiatives by the school district. These include termination of positions, shortening of work days and cutting weeks off of the years work for some employeees. Other actions include re-allocating funds and moving eligible salaries to a Liability Fund.
You can read a good report of this at: TheTelegraph
- John Bracamontes
This is forcing a reduction in almost 3 million dollarrs in cost cutting initiatives by the school district. These include termination of positions, shortening of work days and cutting weeks off of the years work for some employeees. Other actions include re-allocating funds and moving eligible salaries to a Liability Fund.
You can read a good report of this at: TheTelegraph
- John Bracamontes
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