In Texas, Gambling's Odds Have Improved
Gov. Rick Perry was for legalized gambling before he was against it.
In 2004, the governor added video lottery terminals at racetracks to the list of issues he would allow lawmakers to consider during a special session — when the governor controls what’s on the agenda. They ultimately didn’t produce any legislation, but it was an indication that Perry wasn’t hostile to expanding the state’s legal gambling — at least if the money was for school finance.
His position has changed, and like the Republican Party of Texas and many of his core voters, he no longer supports ...
Comments (5)
Proud Texan
Doesn't enabling legislation have to go to the Governor? Unless the Constituional amendment contains every finite detail about tax rates, licenses, regulatory structure, etc., there will have to be enabling legislation that puts the Governor right back in the middle of the issue.
The pro-gamers have a problem. The Democrats that typically support their cause got decimated in the election and now they are worried about the draconian cuts in the proposed budget. Those cuts will hurt the very same people that the lottery and other types of gambling prey on.....the poor and the vulnerable.
Steve Mostyn (a wannabe track owner in Grand Prairie and the man who called the Governor a coward) and the pro-gambers spent buckets of money trying to get Democrats elected and they rolled snake eyes.
Don't think for a second that the House Republican Caucus doesn't remember who was funding their opponents.
Oh, the issue also has to pass the Senate where NOBODY thinks there are 21 votes to get a bill to the floor. Even the co-author of the gaming bill from last session (Carona) said he won't file again because the votes aren't there.
Corey Ryan via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This should get some serious consideration, especially if state's revenue goes to education.
Scott Kilpatrick via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'd prefer we get our education money from those who can afford to lose it, rather than those who need that education to begin with.
Evan A Autry via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Because only poor, uneducated people gamble?
Scott Kilpatrick via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Certainly not. It was disingenuous of me to suggest that. My intent was to stress the silliness of supporting casinos and gambling for the purpose of education funds.