LAWMAKERS SAY RIVERBOAT TAX BILL ACTION DUE

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Key lawmakers in the House and Senate said Thursday they plan to take action next week on a bill to raise taxes on lucrative riverboats and to let the state's floating casinos stay docked.

"Those are going to be in whatever bill we have," said Rep. Joel Brunsvold, D-Milan, a House assistant majority leader.

But efforts are still being made to put together a more far-reaching proposal with potential elements ranging from slot machines at horse-racing tracks to increasing the state's current number of 10 riverboat casino licenses.

Brunsvold and Senate Majority Leader Stan Weaver, R-Urbana, said they agreed to move legislation that will contain at least the provisions to impose a graduated riverboat tax and to allow Illinois boats to remain docked.

They made the comments as some lawmakers looked to the riverboat tax as a source of revenue to help generate funds for schools.