On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: In the past, bills pushing to expand gambling in Texas have either had the support of casinos or race tracks, not both. But this year is different.
gambling
Posted in
Politics
Carona Sets the Stage for Hearing on Gambling Measure
“You never really know when a major issue like this will find a break or an opportunity to be passed,” state Sen. John Carona said Monday of proposed legislation that could lead to the legalization of casino gambling in Texas.
Posted inState Government
Polling Center: Playing the Numbers on Gaming in Texas
It’s not so much what Texans think about gaming in Texas — they’re generally for it — but about how strongly they feel. And the people who don’t want expanded gaming feel more strongly than proponents.
Posted in
Economy
Groups Bank on United Front in Gambling Push
Despite strong resistance inside and outside the Legislature, groups representing gambling interests hope that a collaborative approach can help them make a breakthrough this legislative session.
Posted in
Economy
Inside Intelligence: About Those Money-Makers…
For this week’s nonscientific survey of government and political insiders, we asked about tax reform, swapping local property taxes for something else, and whether voters and legislators are on the same page on casinos.
Posted in
State Government
John Montford: The TT Interview
The former prosecutor, state lawmaker, Texas Tech chancellor and AT&T executive talks about his latest initiative to make casino gambling legal in Texas.
Posted in
State Government
Jack Abramoff: The TT Interview
The former lobbyist on how to regulate lobbying in Washington, why he thinks the system is essentially corrupt, when money in politics is a problem and when it’s not, and why anyone should listen to someone like him.
Posted in
State Government
Anti-Cockfighting Law Could Aid Enforcement
Animal welfare activists are hoping for a renewed crackdown on illegal cockfighting now that laws passed last legislative session are in effect. Forcing the birds to fight was already illegal; now, it’s also against the law to breed the birds or attend a fight.
Posted in
Health care
In Perry’s Texas, the Man Behind the Curtain
Behind every politician there are men and women working in the wings, who can make calls, fix problems, raise money, punish enemies. In Rick Perry’s world, one man stands above them all: Mike Toomey.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Session’s End Creates Graveyard of Failed Legislation
The system is meant to kill legislation: That’s the old line often heard around the Capitol. As the session’s end slams the coffin door on a slew of bills, more than a few lawmakers are taking solace in the fact that their dead bills have lots of company.
