As responsible Texans we have to find new revenue to meet the increasing demands in our schools.
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas State Representative Jos Menndez of San Antonio filed House Joint Resolution 131 a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Texans the right to vote for casino gaming. Various estimates show that Texans spend $3-4 billion dollars annually in casinos located in neighboring states.
Menndezs proposal would allow for a combination of full destination resorts casinos to slot machines at smaller pari-mutuel tracks and casinos at all three Tribal Reservations.
When Texans spend their voluntary tax dollars in other states casinos they are helping pay for their highways and schools Menndez said. Why shouldnt citizens have the right to vote to decide if they would like to have casino gambling in our state and keep that money at home?
HJR 131 would dedicate the states proceeds to the Permanent School Fund and the Texas Education Grants program for higher education. Once fully implemented the legislation would provide an estimated $800 million for public schools and upwards of $50 million into college scholarships for Texas students.
Texas ranks 46th in per pupil spending nationwide. Current estimates put Texas public schools at $8 billion short of being fully funded.
We cannot sit idly and watch the education funding gap continue to grow! As responsible Texans we have to find new revenue to meet the increasing demands in our schools. Therefore I would like to give Texas voters the ultimate right to decide if casinos should be a source of voluntary taxes that should stay in Texas Menndez concluded.
If approved HJR 131 would establish a gaming commission that would award licenses to operate casinos. Over $400 million in revenue would be generated through up-front license fees and would immediately go towards education funding.
As responsible Texans we have to find new revenue to meet the increasing demands in our schools.
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas State Representative Jos Menndez of San Antonio filed House Joint Resolution 131 a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Texans the right to vote for casino gaming. Various estimates show that Texans spend $3-4 billion dollars annually in casinos located in neighboring states.
Menndezs proposal would allow for a combination of full destination resorts casinos to slot machines at smaller pari-mutuel tracks and casinos at all three Tribal Reservations.
When Texans spend their voluntary tax dollars in other states casinos they are helping pay for their highways and schools Menndez said. Why shouldnt citizens have the right to vote to decide if they would like to have casino gambling in our state and keep that money at home?
HJR 131 would dedicate the states proceeds to the Permanent School Fund and the Texas Education Grants program for higher education. Once fully implemented the legislation would provide an estimated $800 million for public schools and upwards of $50 million into college scholarships for Texas students.
Texas ranks 46th in per pupil spending nationwide. Current estimates put Texas public schools at $8 billion short of being fully funded.
We cannot sit idly and watch the education funding gap continue to grow! As responsible Texans we have to find new revenue to meet the increasing demands in our schools. Therefore I would like to give Texas voters the ultimate right to decide if casinos should be a source of voluntary taxes that should stay in Texas Menndez concluded.
If approved HJR 131 would establish a gaming commission that would award licenses to operate casinos. Over $400 million in revenue would be generated through up-front license fees and would immediately go towards education funding.
