As the Texas Legislature rolls into its final two weeks, it’s fair to credit members with what they’ve done. But pay attention to what they ignored.
gambling
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Texas Legislature 2021
Push to bring casinos to Texas appears headed for defeat this session despite high-profile campaign
A key deadline passed Monday without action in the Texas House on casino legislation backed by the gaming empire Las Vegas Sands. A measure to allow sports gambling looks similarly doomed.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Las Vegas Sands launches multimillion-dollar ad campaign to push for casinos in Texas
The TV and radio ads, which are set to start airing Thursday, make the case that Texas is forfeiting “billions” in tourism dollars to nearby states that allow casinos.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Legislation backed by casino giant would allow casinos, sports gambling in Texas
Las Vegas Sands is pushing to create the opportunity for casinos at “destination resorts” in the state’s four largest metropolitan areas.
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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Texas voters’ views shifting on abortion, pot, gambling and Confederate monuments, poll finds
According to the latest UT/TT Poll, most Texas voters support expanded gambling and would legalize marijuana. Half would leave Confederate statues and monuments where they are. And they’re divided on whether to change state abortion laws or leave them as is.
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Texas Legislature 2021
GOP leaders have expressed skepticism about expanding gambling in Texas. But supporters see hope in the long run.
People pushing for the move say they are hopeful they’ll get legislative approval this year. If not, one executive said, it’s “inevitable” in the future.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analyzing 2020: The pandemic recession in Texas
We’ve selected some columns from 2020 on the recession and the budget.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Analysis: Texans might be ready for casinos, but lawmakers aren’t convinced
Casinos are making a serious run at Texas lawmakers, hoping to open up to five gaming destinations in a state that has resisted them for years. But gaming in Texas hasn’t been expanded in almost three decades.
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Texas Legislature 2021
GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson readies 2021 lobbying blitz to bring casinos to Texas
Adelson’s Las Vegas Sands has built a stable of high-powered lobbyists for the session, which starts in January, and the company acknowledged Tuesday that it is serious about bringing casinos to Texas.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Analysis: Adding a new tax might be easier than ending an old tax break
It might seem that closing tax loopholes and ending exemptions would be an easy way to balance a state budget during a pandemic. It’s not. In fact, that might be the hardest option available.