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Pennsylvania horsemen on high alert over discussions

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July 13, 2009

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The Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen�s Association has issued an alert urging its members to contact their state representatives immediately due to reported Republican caucus discussions about cutting or eliminating the state�s racing fund.

The discussions stem from Pennsylvania�s lengthening state budget impasse. Approximately two weeks into the new fiscal year, the state is still without a budget agreement, and every option is on the table as lawmakers attempt to resolve a multi-billion dollar deficit.

The state�s racing fund is a product of Act 71, the slot machine legislation designed to ease Pennsylvania�s competitive disadvantage with neighboring states that already had racinos. Act 71 succeeded in not only leveling the playing field, but also cultivated what many believe is the country�s best harness racing product while simultaneously creating jobs and stimulating investment in a bad economy.

�If the racing fund is cut or eliminated altogether, it will create disastrous long-term results for dubious short-term benefits,� said Earl Beal Jr., president of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen�s Association. �It would cause Pennsylvania to immediately become non-competitive with neighboring states, driving investment elsewhere, and leading to the collapse of Pennsylvania racing, its infrastructure and related businesses.�

To read the member alert, and for more information on how to reach out to Pennsylvania�s state government, visit www.pahha.comor access the PDF document directly at http://media.live.harnesslink.com/files/f1247492704.doc.pdf (Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association)

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