ST. PAUL, MN. - May 4, 2011 - The proposal to add casino-style gambling to at least two Minnesota horse-racing tracks gets its first committee hearing of the current legislative session.

The Senate state government panel hears the so-called "racino" proposal in a hearing Wednesday evening. Supporters say adding video slot machines at Canterbury Park in Shakopee and Running Aces in Columbus would generate $250 million in new tax revenue for the state over two years. They've proposed that money be used to pay for job-creation initiatives.

The racino proposal has been much-debated at the Capitol in recent years and even passed the full House once but never gotten further than that. Tribal leaders have raised concerns they could hurt business at tribal casinos.