from the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Assn.
Okemos, MI — During the waning hours of Michigan’s current legislative session, just after 3 a.m. Friday morning (Dec. 14), struggling horsemen in the Great Lakes State received some welcome news.
Legislation that they believe would help level the playing field and give them a chance to start rebuilding the horse racing industry there was passed by the State Senate (24-12). House Bill 5546 still needs the signature of Michigan’s Governor, something that is far from assured, but the Senate’s passage of the measure keeps their fight for survival alive.
The legislation, if signed, would allow Instant Racing at Michigan’s race tracks. Instant Racing provides track patrons the opportunity to place pari-mutuel wagers on the outcome of historical races and offers bettors gaming options in between live races. Instant Racing is helping to revitalize the horse racing industry in other states and Michigan sees the additional revenue it would provide as a way to rebuild the sport there.
Friday morning’s Senate vote came near the end of a grueling marathon legislative day which began at 10 a.m. the day before. Convinced that they had the necessary votes, Michigan horsemen have been flooding the Senate’s leadership with calls for the past couple of weeks in an effort to convince them to move the bill to the floor. Despite a last minute procedural attempt to slow action on the bill by its opponents, horsemen’s efforts finally paid off early this morning.
Now the future of Michigan’s horse racing industry, and the 12,000 jobs it represents, is in the hands of Gov. Rick Snyder. Michigan has lost many horsemen to other states as the industry declined at home. If you are a former Michigan horseman, or have any connection to Michigan racing, please take a moment to call Gov. Snyder’s office (517.373.3400) and ask him to please help save racing for future generations. Your colleagues in Michigan would appreciate your help.
- The future of Michigan’s horse racing industry may rest with the governor (Wednesday, December 26, 2012)
A story on michiganradio.org is reporting that several bills passed by the Michigan legislature are still sitting on the governor’s desk, including one that may hold the fate of Michigan’s horse racing industry.