Texas Racing Commission to be funded through first quarter of FY 2016

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issues statement on decision

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Racing Commission was in danger of losing its funding Tuesday following its decision to keep historical racing terminals.

On Monday, senate members of the Legislative Budget Board unanimously agreed to fund the commission through the first quarter of fiscal year 2016.

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A statement from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the Legislature has already appropriated $15.4 million to the agency but voted Monday to make the commission's administrative funds totaling $1.5 million subject to Legislative Budget Board approval.

"I fully support the proposal by senate members to allow the commission to use their existing appropriation dollars to continue covering administrative costs while racing board members adjust their focus from expansion of gaming to their statutory purpose of enforcing the Texas Racing Act and its rules to ensure the safety, integrity and fairness of Texas pari-mutuel racing," Patrick said in the statement.

Monday's decision means administrative functions will be covered for the next three months while both sides continue to search for a permanent solution.