HomeMy WebLinkAbout028939 RES - 02/08/2011Page 1 of ,`i
RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF SLOT MACHINES AT RACETRACKS
WHEREAS, The Texas horse and greyhound racing industry is a significant employer
with a major impact on the economy of the State of Texas, currently generating $5.5
billion in economic activity and providing 36,000 permanent jobs;
WHEREAS, Texas does not permit slot machines, but all of the states adjacent to
Texas (Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico) permit slot machines at their
race tracks;
WHEREAS, the increased revenue from slot machines in other states has enabled their
race tracks to substantially increase purses for individual races as well as enhance the
facilities and operations, giving them a distinct advantage over race tracks located
within Texas;
WHEREAS, the racing industry in Texas is slowly, but surely, declining as a result of the
economic advantages held by the industry in the adjacent states due in part to small
purses for winners as well as inability to maintain facilities and more expensive
programs in Texas;
WHEREAS, allowing state -monitored slot machines limited to the confines of the race
tracks located in Texas would allow them to compete on an equal footing with their out
of state competitors and would provide needed additional tax revenue for Texas;
WHEREAS, slot machines in Texas would raise an estimated $1 billion in additional
state tax revenue each year;
WHEREAS, more than 40 sectors of the state's economy would benefit from an infusion
of $8.5 billion in economic activity and the addition of more than 70,000 new permanent
jobs;
WHEREAS, numerous statewide polls show that a majority of Texans favor bringing slot
machines to racetracks and that Texans want the right to vote on the issue;
WHEREAS, various groups from the racing industry and thousands of other Texans
have joined together in supporting the public campaign, Win for Texas, to encourage
the Texas legislature to pass legislation allowing slot machines at the current licensed
race tracks and recognized Indian tribal lands.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Corpus Christi supports Win for Texas and
strongly urges the members of the Legislature of the State of Texas, and in particular its
legislative members from or who represent the City of Corpus Christi to actively pursue
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appropriate legislation enabling the race tracks and recognized Indian tribal lands within
the State of Texas to operate slot machines on their properties.
ATTEST: THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
APPROVED: 31th day of January, 2011.
R. y Reining
eining
First Assistant Cit Attorney
For City Attorney
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OleggArifd
Joe Mame
Mayor
Cor stChristi, Texas
of r- , 2011
The above resolution was passed by a following vote:
Joe Adame
Chris N. Adler
Larry R. Elizondo, Sr.
Kevin Kieschnick
Priscilla Leal
John E. Marez
Nelda Martinez
Mark Scott
Linda Strong
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