AUSTIN, TX—FEBRUARY 7, 2016—After nearly two years of talk historical racing will again be the main topic of discussion Tuesday during what could be the final meeting of the Texas Racing Commission. The states horse racing governing body has enough funding to stay open through the end of this month.

Texas Racing Commissioners, at odds with Republican lawmakers since approving historical racing in 2014 will try to answer the question of whether to amend or repeal. State official have indicated they won't approve more money to fund the commission as long as historical racing still exists.

“The Racing Commission has been resisting elected political authorities because they see other racing and gambling opportunities that would benefit Texas,” said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas told theFort Worth Star Telegram earlier this week. “We will see if they knuckle under political pressure or continue to resist,” he said. “There’s an element of brinksmanship to this.”

If it happens, it would be the second time in a year Texas tracks had to shut down business because of this funding squabble and Texas taxpayers could be on the hook for millions in unemployment benefits.

“Absent further appropriations authority, all racing must end no later than midnight on Feb. 16,” according to a letter by Chuck Trout, executive director of the commission. “This includes both live and simulcast racing.”

Caught in the middle of the ongoing debate is a slumping racing industry made of thousands of Texas who work as veterinarians, jockeys, grooms, breeders and more. According to reports horse racing in Texas contributes $5.5 billion to the economy and creates 36,000 jobs.

“The health of a very important industry [that] employs tens of thousands of people is at stake,” said Scott Wells, president of Lone Star Park. “We have 900 employees at Lone Star Park, all of whom are very concerned about whether they will have employment in the future. "

The Dallas based facility is scheduled to begin its live thoroughbred season in April while Sam Houston Race Park is in the midst of its winter Thoroughbred meet. The Houston facility is scheduled to open its spring Quarter Horse season on March 25.

Tuesday the commission will get a report on the Executive Director’s Plan to Close the Agency in the Event that Additional Appropriations are not Approved. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. (CST) at the John H. Reagan Building, 105 W. 15th Street in Austin.