Is it time for the Biennial Push For Expanded Legalized Gambling again? Yes, I suppose it is.
Sens. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and John Carona, R-Dallas, on today will tout a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize resort casinos in Texas and allow video lottery terminals -- VLTs, or slot machines -- at existing racetracks.An estimated $3.5 billion to $4 billion would be generated annually, with plans for $1 billion of that to be dedicated to TEXAS Grants and other higher education financial aid programs, according to Ellis' office.
Ellis and Carona will discuss details of Senate Joint Resolution 45 and Senate Bill 1359 at a news conference today. The proposed amendment would require approval of two-thirds of the Legislature before going on a statewide ballot for consideration.
Although the number of casinos could change, the proposal would allow seven in urban areas, two on islands in the Gulf and three whose location would be determined by a new Texas Gaming Commission. It would allow VLTs at eight racetracks, five horse tracks and three dog tracks.
I can't believe that Rodney Ellis keeps pushing gambling. He should be sensitive to the effect this will have on his poorest constituents -- the ones who can't afford the bus to Louisiana every weekend, but who would be sure to drop more than they can afford in the slots in a downtown casino. Plus, dedicated the money to TEXAS grants will make everyone assume the problem of higher-education affordability has been fixed. Look how many people wonder why they are still paying school property taxes, when the Lottery was supposed to pay for schools.
Posted by: David Siegel on March 8, 2007 6:00 PM