Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

May 7, 2009

~ Ortiz, Jr. Advocates for Corpus Christi Inclusion ~

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CORPUS CHRISTI -- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. (D-Corpus Christi) announced today that a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the option of casino gambling for Corpus Christi has advanced in the Texas House of Representatives, winning approval from the House Licensing committee on a 6-0 vote.

"Corpus Christi needs to keep all its options open when it comes to economic development," Ortiz said. "My constituents deserve the right to decide if they want Corpus Christi be a center for destination casinos."

The original version of the proposed amendment only allowed the casino option for barrier islands like Galveston Island and South Padre Island. Ortiz helped convince lawmakers on the Licensing Committee to allow the option for other coastal areas in Texas, including Corpus Christi.

"I'd like to express my gratitude to Chairman Edmund Kuempel and the members of the committee for listening to my concerns and changing the amendment to accommodate Corpus Christi," Ortiz said. "Committee members have spent long hours working out a good amendment that empowers coastal residents."

Should the proposed constitutional amendment win approval from Texas voters in November, coastal counties could hold individual elections on whether to allow casinos in their county.

"Coastal communities should have an equal opportunity to make a decision on casino gambling," Ortiz said.

The proposed amendment also authorizes the state to use a portion of gambling revenue to fund transportation, education, and children's health insurance.

Ortiz represents House District 33, which includes part of the city of Corpus Christi. For more information on this or any other issue, contact Rep. Ortiz at his capitol office at 512-463-0484 or his district office at 361-991-0047. Constituents from House District 33 can e-email the representative at District33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us.