Fate of expanded gambling uncertain in Senate

Thursday, June 23, 2005 | 9:20 a.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. -- For more than a decade, proposals to expand gambling have been stuck in the same place every time legislators have opened a session, with supporters saying a vote would be close but uncertain they can prevail.

With the Legislature in special session Wednesday and under orders from the Kansas Supreme Court to find additional money for public schools, some supporters detected a favorable shift in momentum.

Senators expected to debate today whether to authorize casinos and permit slot machines at dog and horse tracks to generate revenues that would sustain higher spending on education into the future. Two competing proposals emerged from the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

"It's even money or better," said Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, a supporter of expanded gambling. "I think there may be the votes."

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