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Rep. Norma Chávez files gaming bill
February 18, 2009

State Rep. Norma Chávez, D-El Paso, on Tuesday filed a bill that would allow federally recognized tribes to conduct bingo and poker. She filed the bill on the opening day of El Paso Days at the Capitol.

Written by Brandi Grissom, The El Paso Times

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AUSTIN -- The Tiguas in El Paso are taking another shot at the Texas Legislature, hoping this will be the year that lawmakers will allow them to restart gambling at Speaking Rock Casino.

State Rep. Norma Chávez, D-El Paso, on Tuesday filed a bill that would allow federally recognized tribes to conduct bingo and poker. She filed the bill on the opening day of El Paso Days at the Capitol.

"This bill recognizes the tribe's sovereignty and allows them to prosper and be self-sufficient," Chávez said.

The Tiguas have been working to reopen the casino since then-Attorney General John Cornyn successfully sued the tribe and a judge ordered Speaking Rock to cease gambling operations in 2002.

The casino generated more than $800 million in the local economy and provided about 800 jobs. It allowed the tribe to build homes and provide members with health care and money for education.

In 2007, Chávez filed an identical measure. It failed in what was, for the Tiguas, a heartbreaking 66-66 tie vote on the House floor.

Tigua Gov. Frank Paiz said he felt more confident about efforts this year.

There are more Democrats in the Texas House now, and House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, supported the Tiguas' gaming bill in 2007.

"I think this is a good year for the tribe," Paiz said.

But the bill has high hurdles to clear. It must pass both the House and the Senate. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate, has opposed expanding gaming.

It must also make it past Gov. Rick Perry's veto pen. Perry, who is positioning himself for a 2010 Republican primary showdown with U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, has also said he opposes more gambling in Texas.

State Rep. Betty Brown, R-Terrell, was one of many conservative GOP legislators who voted against the Indian gaming bill in 2007. She said she is morally opposed to any additional gaming in Texas.

Like other gaming opponents, Brown said she is concerned about the social ills gambling could exacerbate. Opponents often list addiction, crime and family troubles among the problems that come with gambling.

"That is very much the wrong thing to do to encourage people to gamble instead of spending their money more wisely, meeting their families' needs, investing or saving, all those good things," Brown said.

The Tigua gaming bill is HB1308.

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