Out Of State Interests May Pull Strings To Threaten 36,000 Texas Jobs

Out of state casinos love Texans spending their money across state lines. The same outside gaming companies contribute heavily to Texas politicians. Why are Texas politicians gambling on losing 36,000 local jobs and $5 Billion state dollars?
By: TTHBPA
 
AUSTIN, Texas - Aug. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- The Texas Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, (TTHBPA) announces support for keeping Texas jobs in the State by asking the Legislative Budget Board to immediately fund the Texas Racing Commission.

36,000 jobs may be at stake. While Texas racetracks are the most visible segment of the sport, the industry's real backbone includes family and small businesses: veterinarians, farriers, feed store operators, jockeys, trainers, equipment suppliers, van operators, grooms, and track employees.  Add in a ripple effect among hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

The immediate political spat involves a shrinking group of Republican politicians objecting to new Historical Race Machines (HRMs) at Texas racetracks, under the false premise that they are identical to casino slot machines.   The TTHPBA asserts that any reasonable comparison proves they share neither the design nor function of slots. Instead, the new machines for horseplayers would increase winner purses at Texas tracks and lessen advantages now enjoyed by neighboring states' gambling centers.

The TTHPBA joins other Texas businesses and non-profits in debunking fears of slot machines proliferating.   The TTHPBA  sees political objections to new gaming machines as a move that protects current advantages of out of state interests--and keeps more Texas money exiting the state.

“We are not talking about slot machines.  We are not talking about driving bingo games out of business.  We welcome new machines designed only for use at Texas racetracks, where people already gather for races,” observes Michael Danapas of TTHPBA.

“The new machines also allow for more skill, less chance, and better odds for the players--things out of state slot machine owners may not be happy about.”

Without the new machines, Texas racing--and 36,000 jobs--face an uncertain future.

Meanwhile, out of state gaming entities may face a major payday.

What do Texas politicians gain from the state's potential $5 billion dollar loss?

The Texas Horsemen and Women join the TTHBPA to ask friends, neighbors and communities to follow the story and understand what really is at stake.   They ask for a fair hearing and due process for all those threatened by arbitrary or questionable political decisions.

The TTHBPA urges supporters to call or email Texas State Senator Jane Nelson and the other members of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to support immediate, full funding for the Texas Racing Commission.   Contact them at:

The Honorable Jane Nelson:  Phone: 512-463-0112

LBB Members:  http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/CurrentBoardMembers.aspx

Contact the TTHBPA on Facebook at “Texas Thoroughbred HBPA, Inc.”

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Source:TTHBPA
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Tags:Texas Racing Commission
Industry:Agriculture
Location:Austin - Texas - United States
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