As reported by the Midland-Reporter Telegram: "Frustrated by legislative inaction two years ago, state gambling proponents are making another try to legalize casinos by putting a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot.

"They appear to be better organized and have more support than during the 2005 session in Austin, but whether they have enough to get two-thirds of the House and Senate behind them is hard to tell.

"Sens. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and John Carona, R-Dallas, have introduced two bills while Rep. Kino Flores, D-Mission, chairman of the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures, has approved consideration of three.

"…Backed by the Texas Gaming Association, the Ellis-Carona plan calls for the creation of a state gaming commission to license 12 free-standing casino-resorts with hotels, golf courses and spas with an investment of $500,000 each and projected annual higher education tax revenues of $1 billion.

"…One of Flores' bills would authorize video lottery terminals at racetracks and reservations run by the Tigua, Kickapoo and Alabama Coushatta tribes at El Paso, Eagle Pass and Livingston in East Texas, respectively.

"Others by Flores and Reps. Allan Ritter, D-Nederland, and Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, would give the 'tracks and tribes' measure the option of expanding into full-blown casinos and allow up to four live or electronic poker tables at regulated establishments, among other features…"

__________________
Luck be a Lady