By KRWG News
Texas – An expansion of gambling has been suggested as Texas faces a projected shortfall that some lawmakers say could hit $18 billion.
Speaker Joe Straus has told Texas House budget writers that they'll have to handle a state shortfall of at least $11 billion without new taxes.
Straus also raised the possibility of unpaid furloughs and four-day workweeks for state workers.
Details came during a hearing yesterday in Austin by the House Appropriations Committee.
Committee Chairman Jim Pitts of Waxahachie says legalized gambling would be a possible money-raising option.
Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst both say they oppose any expansion of gambling in Texas.
State agencies have submitted proposals to cut current-year budgets by 5 percent. Officials have said those savings will only amount to about $1.7 billion.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.