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Texas Gambling Measure Stirs Debate

AUSTIN, Texas – As reported by the Houston Chronicle: "The defeat of a $1.5 billion proposal to legalize and tax video lottery terminals at horse and dog racetracks would mean less money for education instead of less property tax relief, House leaders said Thursday.

"'Right now we don't have a backup plan,' said Rep. Talmadge Heflin, R-Houston, House Appropriations Committee chairman. 'My guess is if the VLT (video lottery terminals) didn't go, then there'd probably be some reduction in spending money.'

"…Heflin said he believes there is sufficient support of the gambling measure in the committee and even on the House floor, where it will need the support of 100 of 150 members to be placed on the ballot.

"However, a group of Republican representatives is working to block any expansion of gambling, and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, said she will filibuster any bill that contains gambling…"

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