Illinois Senate approves granting eminent domain to casinos
“The Land of Lincoln is doubling down on corruption. Last week, the Illinois Senate voted in favor of a new casino bill, which would imbue casinos with the power of eminent domain. If it passes, SB 1739 would amend the state’s Eminent Domain Act:
“The following provisions of law may include express grants of the power to acquire property by condemnation or eminent domain: Chicago Casino Development Authority Act; City of Chicago; for the purposes of the Act” (p.519 of the legislation).
Adding insult to injury, seizing and bulldozing someone’s home or business to construct casinos would even be considered a “public use:”
“For the lawful purposes of this Act, the City may acquire, by eminent domain or by condemnation proceedings in the manner provided by the Eminent Domain Act, real or personal property or interests in real or personal property located in the City, and the City may convey to the Authority property so acquired. The acquisition of property under this Section is declared to be for a public use” (p.27).”
Institute for Justice 18 May 2013