Two high-profile senators are joining forces to propose a plan for
legalizing casino gambling and sending some of the profits to help Texans
pay for college tuition.
Republican Sen. John Carona of Dallas and Democratic Sen. Rodney Ellis of
Houston are to announce more details Thursday about their proposal to
legalize a limited number of "destination resort casinos" across the state
and video slot machines at racetracks. Several bills already have been filed
on the subject, and there have been backroom rumblings throughout this
legislative session about a push to expand gambling. Proponents argue that
Texans are already spending their money on casinos in neighboring states.
The Baptist lobby's Christian Life Commission and some social conservatives
in the Legislature oppose new forms of gambling.