Official wants casino reopened

Monday, Aug. 26, 2002 | 11:02 a.m.

AUSTIN, Texas -- A South Texas lawmaker says he'll file legislation next year to allow the reopening of the Tigua Indians' casino near El Paso.

The Speaking Rock Casino closed in November after Texas sued, saying state law doesn't allow casino-style gambling. A federal judge agreed.

Rep. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said the shutdown was political by GOP Attorney General John Cornyn, who's running for U.S. Senate.

Cornyn said the Tiguas defied the Restoration Act, a federal law that requires the tribe to obey state laws in return for federal aide.

Hinojosa said, "We need to find a way to restore respect and self support to the Indian sovereign nations instead of just hammering them like we have throughout history."

"This is their land and we took it away from them. They try to help themselves after we refuse to provide them with help. This is about sense and fairness," said Hinojosa, after announcing his bill at a House criminal jurisprudence committee hearing on Friday.

Hinojosa said that his bill is expected to have language similar to the one he filed last session.

Hinojosa's 2001 legislation sailed through the House but was prevented from reaching the Senate floor by acting Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, who opposes all forms of gambling.