Bill Would Allow Casino Gambling
Two state lawmakers are rolling the dice on gambling legislation. The controversial idea is being filed again at the state capitol, and this time the odds of passage are improving. It’s a one-two punch for casino gambling in Texas. Efforts began Monday to file legislation in the house and senate to bring the issue up for a state-wide vote. "I think it is hypocritical to say we don’t have gambling in Texas, so the question is, how much gambling do we want to have or do we just want to keep making trips to our neighboring states and leaving our Texas dollars there, funding their schools, their streets, and their infrastructure," State Rep Jose Menendez said. Supporters of gambling in the house chamber believe they are making progress in getting the votes needed for passage. The staff for Representative Jose Menendez, of San Antonio, and state Senator Rodney Ellis, of Houston, spent Monday preparing the bills for filing. The legislation, if approved, would put the issue up for a public vote, most likely in November. It would limit the number of casinos that could be built in Texas. The bills are similar to proposals that failed during the last session. Political Analysts, like Chuck McDonald, say the current budget crisis is helping build momentum. "We have to look at how we raise revenue and where we get money from and how we pay out bills as a state. Do I think a gambling measure will pass in 2011, its still less than 50-50 that it will but it has its most significant chance probably ever in 2011,” said McDonald. The gambling legislation may be filed by the end of the week. A gambling resolution was introduced last week by Rep. Carol Alvarado. House Joint Resolution 28 is a like a suggestion, from the Houston Democrat, asking the Governor to call a special session in order to take up gambling. It is currently pending in a House Committee.