© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

More Gambling In Texas?

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.