Normally, it’s the politicians of third world countries who waste a lot of money over frivolous things. However, Rod Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois has now joined the list of first world politicians who indulge in coming up with stupid bans.
Blagojevich has used $1 million in taxpayer money to request a 2005 federal court ruling that a state law banning the transaction of violent or sexual-explicit video games to minors was unlawful. This was verified by a House committee that found out the amount spent to pay lawyers this week.
Chairman of the State Government committee, Republican Jack Franks quoted, “We had a strong doubt that the governor was using funds appropriated by the General Assembly as his own personal piggy bank. Those suspicions were confirmed when the governor’s staff, giving evidence before the committee, admitted they just stuck state agencies that had available funds with the bills.”
David Vite, President, Illinois Retail Merchants Association says, “It’s unfortunate that the state of Illinois spent taxpayer money defending this statute. This is precisely what we told them would happen” IRMA was one of the groups that has litigated over the law.
If that bill was passed, it would have banned stores from selling or renting violent or sexually explicit games to minors and violators would have to pay fines in the range of $1,000. A million dollars, that’s a lot of money. Maybe Rod Blagojevich could have used that money to make public schools or libraries, which would have been helpful for children, especially those who come from less privileged backgrounds.