Michigan governor vetos funding for racing

The future of the Michigan Sire Stakes and racing at fairs are apparently in jeopardy after Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday exercised her item veto authority while signing a bill authorizing expenditures for the state Dept. of Agriculture that eliminates all such state funding for the programs for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2010.

 

In a letter sent to the Michigan State Senate, Gov. Granholm stated, "I believe that horse racing programs should be self-supporting." She then added, "I would support restoration of funding for the horse racing grants and regulatory activities utilizing equine development funding or other funds generated by the horse racing industry."

 

Included in the governor's vetos were more than $1.1 million toward funding of fairs, racing and producer security; $586,400 in Standardbred breeders' awards; $1,083,000 for Standardbred Sire Stakes; and $490,100 for Standardbred training and stabling. She also vetoed $2.5 million for the Office of Racing Commissioner, which was expected since last week she ordered the office disbanded and racing placed under the auspices of the state Gaming Control Board.

 

Because the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association's office has not been formally notified of the budget vetos as of Thursday afternoon, no comment has been made available.