Burzichelli Bill Secures NJ Horse Racing Industry, Jobs

Measure Codifies Organizational Agreement; Keeps Industry Jobs in the State

(Trenton) - The General Assembly on Monday approved legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli that would keep Standardbred racing and the jobs associated with the industry in New Jersey. The Assembly Democrats sponsored numerous measures to spur growth in job creation and economic development throughout New Jersey also considered in Monday's voting session.

"Keeping jobs in New Jersey is equally as important as creating them these days," said Burzichelli. (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem). "This bill ensures the dedicated members of the New Jersey's horse racing community --from groomers to riders-- and the programs that support their needs will continue to receive proper funding at a rate that will help them remain competitive in the industry."

Data compiled by Rutgers University Equine Science Center showed the state's $4 billion horse racing industry has wide-ranging impacts on our state economy. Horse-related operations account for 13,000 N.J. jobs, including but not limited to trainers, farm hands, veterinarians, suppliers of feed, equipment, transportation, race track workers and vendors, real estate, construction, agri-businesses and more.

The bill would codify a contractual agreement between the Standard Breeders' and Owners' Association of New Jersey and the private Standard bred racetrack in this State. The bill would also increase the percentage monies used to aid the horsemen and the Standardbred Breeders' and Owners' Association of New Jersey and the private Standardbred Racetrack in this state from 3.2% to 5%.

The measure was approved 77-0. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

To read more, please visit the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office Web site.

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