A Pennsylvania state legislator is set to propose legislation that would significantly impact the state’s racing and breeding industry. The proposal, offered by Representative Todd Stephens (R-151st District, outside of Philadelphia), would shift essentially all of the money that racing and breeding currently receive from slot machines to support education.
Under current law, the state’s Race Horse Development Fund (RHDF) receives an amount of money equivalent to 18 percent of slots revenue generated by racetrack casinos. That amounts to more than $200 million each year, which is used primarily to increase purses and enhance breeding incentives.
The Stephens proposal, which appears to be generating some early buzz (here and here), would redirect $250 million from the RHDF to a newly created Local Effort Equalization Fund (LEEF). That fund would provide a supplement to property-taxpayers in school districts receiving less than 35 percent of their total funding from the state.
In a statement, Stephens said, “The Pennsylvania Constitution requires the General Assembly to provide for a ‘thorough and efficient’ school system for our children. The State isn’t fulfilling its obligation to all our children forcing school districts to rely more heavily on property and local income taxes.”
He added, “We have a constitutional obligation to fund our schools… [r]ather than funding the pastime of the world’s wealthy and elite.”
According to PennLive.com, slots revenue — which saw its first ever year-over-year decline in 2013 — has never provided more than $263 million to the RHDF. The Stephens proposal would, in essence, eliminate the subsidy altogether.
Todd Mostoller, Executive Director of the state Horseman’s Benevolent & Protective Association, which represents horsemen at Penn National and Presque Isle Downs, told that website, “(If it passes) there is no industry in Pennsylvania”…
On the racetrack at Penn National, two riders — Dana Whitney and Andrew Wolfsont — won two races each last night. Wolfsont won the third, a $15,000 claimer, aboard Peppi Knows (3.40-1), and the eighth, a $10,000 claimer, on Devine Flash (4.40-1). Whitney’s two wins came in a $15,000 claimer (Agatha K, 3.90-1), and a second-level allowance/optional claimer (Cockeyed Cowboy, 1.30-1)…
T D Bob had, before yesterday, raced 23 times in his career. The Ontario-bred son of Trajectory, out of the winless Alydeed mare Thoughtful Deed, had never finished better than fourth in his career — and that one fourth place finish came via disqualification. Nineteen of those races came in 2013. So, bettors had every right to dismiss the Michael Peterson trainee. But a funny thing happened: T D Bob, under rider Wilfredo Corujo, zipped to the early lead and forgot to stop. The main contenders came to him at the head of the lane and appeared ready to swallow him up — but they never did. T D Bob held his rivals safe by a length to win and reward his few backers with a $99.40 win payout. It was Corujo’s third win of the young season, and trainer Peterson’s second…
Apparently, someone forgot to get the banners made up. Yesterday at Laurel Park was Trevor McCarthy Day, whether anyone realized it or not. The apprentice rider posted four victories, including three in maiden company. His first-time winners included claimer Holy Sugah (8-5) and both special weight victors, firster Proud to be Wild (1.10-1), who won by six, and Gypsy Heart (2-1)…
That last McCarthy victory came for trainer Rick Buckley. It was Buckley’s first training win since 2000, and the $26,790 the horse earned is likely his biggest training payday. More here…
Do Somethin took the day’s featured eighth, a third-level allowance/optional claimer, cruising to a three-length win over favored Popalicious in the six-furlong test. It was Do Somethin’s second win of 2014 and the ninth win of his career. Tony Wilson trains the Purim mare for Burns Thoroughbred Racing. Yomar Ortiz was the pilot…
