Illinois Appellate Court rules $31 billion capital bill is unconstitutional

It's been a busy week for Illinois' appellate courts. On Monday one of the courts ruled that Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel was not a legal resident of Chicago. Today another appeals court ruled that a $31 billion capitol works bill was unconstitutional.

This is huge, as Fox Chicago points out:

A spokesman for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan estimated that the ruling eliminated at least 40 percent of the funding sources devoted to the state's giant capital construction program.

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, whose family owns the Judge & Dolph liquor distributorship, was the plaintiff in the case.

The state is expected to immediately appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court, which by the way is expected to quickly rule on Emanuel's appeal.

The bill added new taxes to video gambling machines, liquor, candy, soda, and personal grooming items.

Governor Pat Quinn must feel that he's locked in the penalty box for life.

Call it an unassisted goal for Wirtz.

Hat tip to Capitol Fax.

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