Chicago Public Radio: Green Candidate Doesn't Want to Gamble on Schools

Story on the WBEZ 91.5FM Chicago Public Radio station website on August 25, 2006.

Green Candidate Doesn't Want to Gamble on Schools 
WBEZ, 91.5FM, Chicago Public Radio 
Ammad Omar

CHICAGO, IL (2006-08-25) Green Party Gubenatorial Candidate Rich Whitney says he's opposed to both of his opponents' plans for education funding.

Governor Rod Blagojevich wants to sell the state lottery, while Republican Candidate Judy Bar Topinka supports building a state run casino in Chicago to generate revenue for schools.

But Whitney says state-sponsored gambling is just a hidden tax on the poor.

"When Judy Baar Topinka assesses the benefits of state sanctions gambling, is she also taking into account the economic and costs for higher suicide and divorce rates?" he asked. "More bankruptcy and homelessness? More broken homes? More abuse and neglect cases?"

Whitney says he'd focus on raising taxes for the richest Illinoisans, as well upping sales taxes to push money into education.

His plan would also require a tax cut for the poor.

© Copyright 2006, CHICAGO PUBLIC RADIO