"We believe Texas, which already has a lottery, should legalize slot machines at horse tracks, as does nearby New Mexico, where Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino is only five minutes from Downtown El Paso. And we believe our state's Indian casinos, including El Paso's Speaking Rock, should be allowed to reopen.

Prior to being ordered closed in 2002, Speaking Rock had revenues of $60 million a year. It accounted for some 800 jobs.

It was an economic blessing for the Lower Valley, which should be a major tourist attraction; it's the heart of our historic Mission Trail.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. gaming industry is a $54 billion-a-year business employing some 350,000.

In the 2007 legislative session in Austin, the gaming issue failed to get out of the House by one vote. Led by state Rep. Norma Chávez, D-El Paso, and backed by our entire state delegation, the issue is expected to pass the House this year."

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Editorial: Texas gambling: Increased tax revenues needed (The El Paso Times 2/1)