view raw text
LOWER TAX OR NO RACING Senators Air Reasons for Favoring Lager Bill Reducing Daily Tax Fee for Fairmount Park. SPRINGFIELD, 111., April 28. The state senate today passed the Lager bill, aimed at permitting operation this year of Fairmount race track, near Collinsville. The vote was 49 to 2. The bill, already passed by the house, now goe3 to the governor for his signature and will become effective immediately if signed. Senator James Monroe, Collinsville, who piloted the measure in the senate, in pointing out that Fairmount failed to operate last year, declared: "We of southern Illinois would like to enjoy the sport of racing. The Fairmount track cannot operate if it is forced to pay a license fee of ,000 a day." The bill cuts the tracks daily license fee- from ,000 to 00 and increases its "take" from 8 to 9 per cent Senator Harper, East Moline, declared if such a cut is made. It would be a "radical step." "How do we know that other tracks would not be down here soon asking reductions in their fees," he demanded. "It is dangerous precedent" Senator Earl B. Searcy, Springfieldpspeak-lng in favor of the legislation, said: "Many persons In central Illinois want racing. Either we give this track concessions or the people here will not get what they want"
