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Proposals continue to evolve as lawmakers balance potential opportunities with careful consideration of existing regulations.
Today’s Insights:
- Mavericks’ Majority Owner is Betting Big on Gambling Expansion
- Senator Cruz Pushes for Release of Military-Controlled Spectrum
Mavericks’ Majority Owner is Betting Big on Gambling Expansion
Although the Adelson family, majority owners of the Dallas Mavericks, spent up to $9 million on lobbying to expand legalized gambling in Texas in 2023, those efforts have yet to gain significant traction in the state legislature. During the 2023 session, a mobile betting bill passed the Texas House, HB 1942, and a casino-related bill, HB 2843, stalled. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has previously refused to advance gambling legislation in the Senate, citing a lack of support among Senate Republicans and emphasizing passage of other voter priorities.
During the 2023-24 election cycle, Miriam Adelson contributed $13.7 million to support predominantly Republican candidates via the Texas Defense PAC and Texas Sands PAC among others. This was more than quadruple the amount she contributed during the previous election cycle. Adelson’s push aligns with various efforts to expand legalized gambling in the state.
Lawmakers are expected to introduce gambling-related bills as the 2025 session prepares to convene, including SJR 16 (Alvarado) which would permit sports wagering, create the Texas Gaming Commission, and foster the creation of five destination resorts here in Texas. However, public opposition from key leaders like Patrick may once again keep the issue from advancing in the Senate.
Image Credit: Natalie Venegas, Newsweek
Senator Cruz Pushes for Release of Military-Controlled Spectrum
As Sen. Ted Cruz prepares to lead the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, one of his priorities will be increasing the availability of U.S.-held spectrum. Much of the mid-band spectrum is currently controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense, which uses it for critical military operations such as communications and radar. Cellular companies are eager to access this spectrum to keep up with the explosive growth in data usage, particularly as they expand 5G networks. Cruz argues that releasing this spectrum would create jobs and economic growth, but the military has been reluctant to give up the spectrum it holds.
The U.S. risks falling behind nations like China and South Korea in developing 5G and future 6G technology due to the limited availability of spectrum. The ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing military needs with the growing demand for wireless services in an increasingly connected world.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
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#43 - Wes Benedict: Bridging Policy and Community with Texans for Reasonable Solutions
Welcome to Episode #43 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Wes Benedict, Grassroots Manager at Texans for Reasonable Solutions.
Wes brings years of advocacy experience and a steady, practical approach to community engagement. The conversation explores how Texas communities can navigate political tension, build cross-partisan coalitions, and create space for meaningful dialogue in an increasingly polarized environment.
They dive into the organization’s focus on key statewide issues including housing, infrastructure, water, and the evolving relationship between local and state governments. Wes breaks down why these policies matter for both everyday Texans and the business community, and how reasonable, bipartisan solutions can move conversations forward.
The episode closes with insights on how individuals can get involved, what success looks like in grassroots policy work, and what Texans should be watching as the special session unfolds.
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Texas Political Spotlight
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Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas voters approved one of the largest property tax relief packages in state history on Tuesday, raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and granting new tax breaks for seniors, people with disabilities, and small businesses. In Austin, residents rejected Proposition Q, a plan to fund public safety, homelessness programs, and city facility initiatives through a property tax hike, forcing city leaders to rework the budget and brace for service cuts. Meanwhile, Bexar County voters narrowly passed Propositions A and B, greenlighting up to $311 million in tourism-funded support for a new downtown Spurs arena and upgrades to the Freeman Coliseum grounds.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends,
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at 84, remembered by former President George W. Bush as a “patriot” whose intellect and conviction shaped decades of U.S. policy. In Texas, the Education Agency announced a sweeping takeover of Fort Worth ISD, the state’s second-largest intervention, citing years of academic underperformance and plans to install new local managers. And in Washington, a United Airlines flight was evacuated after a bomb threat, prompting an FBI investigation that later found no explosives, allowing operations to resume safely.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
