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Tie vote kills Texas casino bill

AUSTIN, Texas – As reported by the El Paso Times: "A rare tie vote in the Texas House early Friday killed a bill that would have allowed the Tigua's Speaking Rock Casino to reopen.

"'I have no idea what to make of it,' said Tigua's tribal Lt. Gov. Carlos Hisa, surprised at the 66-66 vote tallied after midnight. In the legislature, a tie vote means failure.

"The bill was likely the only opportunity during this legislative session for the Tiguas to get permission to reopen the casino. Other proposals that would expand gaming and even allow full-blown resort style casinos are stuck in committees. But Hisa said the tribe would continue pushing lawmakers despite the blow on Thursday.

"…Under Chavez's bill, the Tiguas and the Alabama-Coushatta tribe in East Texas would have been allowed to operate pull-tab games and high-stakes poker and bingo at their casinos.

"Ten percent of the tribes' gaming revenue, under the bill, would have gone to the Toward Access, Excellence and Success, or TEXAS, Grant program.

"…During the years it was open, the casino employed hundreds in the El Paso area and generated about $60 million a year. It allowed the tribe to provide housing, health care and education services to its members…"

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