By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-927719.mp3
Dallas, TX – Legalized gambling appears to be a top choice among Texans for raising money to plug a state budget deficit. A poll conducted by the non-partisan Texas Lyceum also shows concern about immigration has grown. KERA's Shelley Kofler has more.
A year ago when the poll asked Texans to cite the most important problem facing they're facing it was no contest. Some 35% said the economy and jobs. Now fewer, 25%, still say the economy and jobs are most important, but now believe immigration and border security are of equal concern.
University of Texas professor Dr. Daron Shaw conducted the Texas Lyceum Poll. He believes immigration is a rising worry because the economy is weak.
Shaw: I think there is a sense that immigration creates or exacerbates some of the economic problems faced in these localities and communities. They believe that illegal immigrants, undocumented immigrants place a strain on the social service safety net as well as on the public schools. I just think these things are linked in people's minds.
The poll also asked Texans how they would chose to raise additional revenue to deal with a state budget deficit. A first or second choice for more than half surveyed is to legalize and tax casinos. A similar number would increase taxes on alcohol. Some 30 percent said legalizing and taxing marijuana is also a top option.