by Greg Volpe, Assembly Republicans, Public Information Officer

Trenton, NJ — The General Assembly approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer to guarantee consistent levels of funding from horse races to programs that benefit horsemen.

Current law dedicates a percentage of purse money goes to programs that benefit horsemen, such as pension, health and benefits, but varies on the amount depending on race tracks.

The bill, A-2913, would require Freehold Raceway’s statutory dedication to go from 3.2 percent to 5 percent, in line with the Meadowlands Racetrack. Presently, Freehold Raceway and the horsemen have a contractual agreement that provides the 5 percent and this legislation will simply codify the same 5 percent into the statutes for consistency.

“Horses cannot race without drivers, trainers and grooms and this ensures that programs that benefit vital members of the horse racing community are properly-funded,” said Dancer, R-Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington and Middlesex. “This level of funding will be the same at all Standardbred racetracks in New Jersey, providing a consistent level of support to important programs for horse-racing employees.”

The bill has bipartisan support from Assemblyman John Burzichelli.