Chicagoland Chamber Optimistic About Governor's Budget Address CHICAGO, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce responds to Governor Quinn's budget address with cautious optimism. The Chamber is pleased that the Governor intends to make reforming the state's employee pension and Medicaid systems a priority this year. The proposed workgroup on pension reform and planned Medicaid reforms are positive steps in the right direction. Equally important is establishing a deadline for the recommendations. The Chamber believes that the state must face these challenges as soon as possible in order to achieve the economic growth and job creation so desperately needed. However, missing from the Governor's speech was any mention of his plan for passage of legislation to provide for a land-based casino in Chicago. "We are disappointed the Governor made no mention of a Chicago casino that, based on our analysis, will result in real economic growth and benefits to Chicago's convention, tourism, and hospitality industry," said Jerry Roper, President and CEO. Development of a Chicago casino will provide thousands of jobs and help address the state's chronic revenue shortfall without the use of any taxpayer money. The Chamber is eagerly awaiting additional details on the FY 2013 budget. The Governor's call for a nine percent cut in spending from his office and other constitutional officers, along with the pension and Medicaid reforms are a good start. But the proposal for further spending on state programs and the uncertain savings from the proposed reforms does not specifically address the state's looming financial crisis. Chris Johnson Email: