I’d like clarify a couple of issues raised in your article:

First, you say “An estimated $400 million is earmarked for Winnebago County alone, but that number could decrease as the number of communities—55 municipalities and five counties—opting out of video gambling rises.”

That is not really accurate. There is currently $400 million earmarked for Winnebago County, but there is very little chance that that number “could decrease” as more communities opt out of video gambling. Only 25% ($375 million) of the Capital Projects Fund is to come from video gambling revenue, and the state predicted some communities would “opt-out”, and made their video gambling income estimate with that knowledge. The expected number is $375 million, not “$375 million minus whatever we lose be communities opting out.”

Furthermore, Rockford represents only about 1% of the population of Illinois. If Rockford opts-out, it will have only a minuscule effect on state revenue.

Also, there is NO provision in the Video Gaming Act that punishes local communities for opting out. If we opt out, we still get the same $400 million.

Finally, thank you for quoting me accurately in the article. Nice work.