Spirit, Speed and Jobs -- How Horse Racing and Breeding Benefits Pennsylvania
Like 1 Dislike 0 Published on 4 Jun 2013
Act 71, the Racehorse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 has been a great success for Pennsylvania. It has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs within the equine industry, while preserving tens of thousands of additional jobs that were in danger of being lost to other states. Act 71 has resulted in a rebirth of the thoroughbred racing industry in Pennsylvania, while establishing the Commonwealth as one of the leading thoroughbred breeding states in the nation.
Act 71 has also preserved many of our state's farms and a significant amount of open space as horsemen look to breed, raise, board, train, and race their horses in Pennsylvania. But despite the equine industry's significant impact, many Pennsylvanians still do not fully understand the importance of the horse racing and breeding industry as an economic engine, job creator, and public policy approach to foster farmland preservation. To help increase awareness and understanding among the state's residents, we have developed a brief 8 minute video that provides insight into Pennsylvania's thoroughbred racing industry.
Current budget proposals would divert more than $16 million from the Race Horse Development Fund, which threatens the state's economic and land preservation succcesses. The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition opposes any diversion of funds, which could adversely impact the state's economy and harm farmland preservation efforts.