Debate opens on bill to allow slot machines in Texas

Tuesday, May 4, 2004  

Debate on a bill to legalize slot machines in Texas is expected to last several days in the Texas House.

Gov. Rick Perry (R) says $1.5 billion in revenues from up to 40,000 slot machines at racetracks and tribal casinos will be used for education. The Tigua Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe support the proposal. Their Class III facilities were shut down by the federal courts.

Opponents say they have enough votes to kill the bill. The League of United Latin American Citizens, the Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools and lawmakers oppose the link between gaming and education and won't help public schools.

The Kickapoo Tribe opposes the measure as well. Unlike the other tribes, the Kickapoos are eligible for Class III gaming.

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School bill falters (The El Paso Times 5/4)