"El Paso looks to have some committee clout, and we expect it to be used, when casino gambling bills will be discussed Wednesday in the Texas Legislature.

Proponents and opponents will appear before the House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee in Austin. State Rep. Chente Quintanilla is serving his second term on that committee.

State Rep. Norma Chávez has been championing the cause to restore gaming rights to the Tigua tribe at Speaking Rock Casino in the Lower Valley.

The six-person El Paso delegation has made legalization of casino gambling one of its five main goals this session.

Our state senator, Eliot Shapleigh, said in a written release: "Our delegation is committed to restoring gaming rights to the Tigua tribe at Speaking Rock Casino. Before closing in 2001, the tribe had an $800 million gaming industry in El Paso's valley."

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Editorial: Gaming hearing: Our reps must show clout (The El Paso Times 4/6)