Supporters: Gaming Would Generate Needed Revenue
Allowing gambling in Texas could boost the economy, create thousands of jobs and help lawmakers close the state's looming budget gap, gambling advocates told lawmakers in a House committee meeting today.
Lawmakers considered a slew of gambling bills, including ones that dealt specifically with gaming at Indian reservations and race tracks and ones that would allow full-blown casino resorts.
A bill by state Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, would send the gambling question to voters, allowing them to decide in a constitutional amendment election whether gambling ought to be expanded.
Alvarado said gaming could be one piece of a solution ...
Comments (15)
Mark Wentlandt via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Somebody please inform Suzii with the superfluous "i" that she, like all good Texas Baptists, is free to gamble wherever she feels other Baptists aren't watching. And in the meantime, keep an eye on what's going to help yank the state out of its increasingly gloomy financial outlook.
Sheri Lindquist via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Why not legalize prostitution too? Imagine the bucks you could rake in? Let's close that budget gap! (What? Not allowed to have an opinion? Oh, btw, look what a good thing gambling has been for all the other states that allow it, I'm positive they're all debt free ;)
Mac Mcclure via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I remember how the lottery was going to solve all school funding problems! If gambling is so good for a state why is Nevada having budget problems?
Michael B Openshaw
This would NOT resolve current budget issue, as it would take substantial time to bring up the commissions, etc. for regulation. Indeed, this would likely COST money for the first biennium.The tracks want the slots because they are struggling to survive (remember when they were going to curl all our financial ills, just like the lottery was going to)? I enjoy an occasional casino visit myself, but I also realize there are lots of indirect costs associated with the revenue stream. And that revenue stream drops precipitously in hard times, like Nevada is finding out. It, like the lottery would be too variable and would fall off significantly in the first decade.
The issue has to be addressed from the SPENDING side of the equation first, folks.
Mark Wentlandt via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You see, Mac, there's been this unfortunate little matter of a global recession gumming up the macroeconomic engine. Perhaps you've heard of it. When there's no money to pay the mortgage, there's probably not much left to run to Vegas and blow on craps and hookers--hence the budgetary woes. Nevada's economy is very dependent on discretionary spending, and there hasn't been a whole lot of that going on. You clear on that? Would you prefer I set the explanation to song and throw in a bouncing ball so you can follow along? And Sheri, if you're confident the sex biz can save a few thousand teaching jobs, then yes, let's legalize and tax that too. C'mon, I'm sure you're all red-blooded libertarians who like to bark about the government bogeyman--here's a chance to seize your liberties. Get your posterboard out and get to sloganeering!! Time's a' waisting.
Ben Martinez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
@Sheri, fallacious argument.
Roderick Byron Holmes via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You can not legislate morality. If people want to gamble they are going to gamble. And No casinos are not the reason Katrina hit New Orleans. Gambling is a source of much needed income, It and marijuana. Yes, Marijuana needs to be legalized too. We can grow it and taxes and do something about these cuts to education.
Sheri Lindquist via Texas Tribune on Facebook
@Ben, yes, thanks... :) No arguments with you guys, that would be "waisting" time, as Mark W so eptly put it.
marc adler
Where did we get the idea that the government should be in the business of telling people whether or not they can gamble in the first place? If it's a "sin," then let churches prohibit their members from doing it. Ditto prostitution. But if two or more consenting adults want to participate in some activity, why should it be anyone else's business? What ever happened to "freedom"? Isn't that what this country is all about?
Marc Adler via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Where did we get the idea that the government should be in the business of telling people whether or not they can gamble in the first place? If it's a "sin," then let churches prohibit their members from doing it. Ditto prostitution. But if two or more consenting adults want to participate in some activity, why should it be anyone else's business? What ever happened to "freedom"? Isn't that what this country is all about?
Ben Martinez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
@Sheri, how about "aptly". You can slap me for being nit-picking! LOL
Brenda K Gunter via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Fertitta would say that, but he makes a good point. The Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua tribes should get first crack at it, though.
Norman Allen
Brothels near corporate offices, bidnesses, the capital building could generate a lot more money than gambling. Come to think of it, gambling would bring brothels too...Smart, killing two birds with one stone!
Glen Hill
Right on Rep. Alvarado...we the voters need to make the decision based on financial fact and not unproven possibilities. A decision needs to be made now to ensure the billions are available at the next budget meeting two years from now. The legislators have consistently put for the need for NEW TEXAS REVENUE...one size fits all full-blown casinos will certainly help reduce the deficit gap...The full-blown casinos will probably generate some 2,000 new jobs each at salaries in the $40,000 range each....It is time for TEXANS to get the opportunity to vote.
Kerri Shin
The 86% that want to be heard may not have the opportunity thanks to Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Senator Robert Duncan. Dewhurst, who is eyeing to be US Senator in 2012, assigned the Senate bill SJR 34 to Senator Duncan (R-Lubbock) and his State Affairs Committee being fully aware that Duncan is opposed to the bill, and we all know we did not vote for these individuals to hold office so they could legislate their morality or for their personal gain. Think if Dewhurst can’t help TX now, what kind of Senator will he be? What are they planning on doing next? Cut essential services for TX and make us pay a state income tax in order to close the state’s massive budget deficit? If these individuals aren’t willing to better our state, they should be replaced at the next election. 86% of the people in Texas want to be heard and with Duncan in charge, the opportunity to even vote on TX gaming will not occur. We as voters need to be given a chance. This bill will bring thousands of high paying jobs, increased tourism, provide billions in new capital investment, along with a state and local tax revenue stream to help keep TX competitive. We need to stop paying for other states’ public schools and highways and help ourselves!!
Now is the time to do something! To have your voice heard, please
Call 512-463-0001 to reach Lt. Governor Dewhurst or go to http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/contact.php to email him to allow the voters the chance to vote on Senate bill SJR 34.
Please also call 512-463-0128 to reach Senator Robert Duncan or email him at http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members/dist28/dist28.htm
PLEASE take action! Spread the word. Let US be able to make our own decisions!