May 31 update

We were told late last night that there would be no gaming bill this session. There was plenty of finger pointing to the reasons why, (legislators blaming other legislators) but none of that matters right now. We are still trying a few “Hail Mary” type plays but we are not confident that they will be successful. This is obviously incredibly disappointing to all of us. At this point in time, we can only be hopeful that Hawthorne will find a partner before the mid-July date in bankruptcy and we can continue to race there this November. 

May 26 update

On Tuesday, May 26, members of the executive committee heard testimony from various gaming interests regarding the merits of HB 5469. House Bill 5469 is sponsored by Leaders Bob Rita and Lisa Hernandez. Bob Rita testified that he is working on a bill that will help the horse racing industry. The bill includes some tax savings for future racino’s, as well as extending the period of recapture. The bill has been discussed at length with the leaders over the last few months and they understand the extension of recapture for us is unacceptable. Representative Rita has acknowledged that the recapture piece would be removed. This bill appears to be the one that will become the larger anticipated gaming bill. We testified specifically to the need of a Decatur racino and the need for a quicker path to a south suburban racino. We expect to have many discussions over the next few days and expect to see amendments added to the bill. We are hoping to see the next draft within the next day or so. We will update again when anything substantial happens. 

May 14 update

We haven’t been reporting much lately because there simply isn’t anything new at this point in time. The legislative session is scheduled to conclude on May 31. Our primary goal this session is to legalize a track for Decatur. We also hope to eliminate Hawthorne’s veto power regarding the 35-mile rule. We work every year to retain our money in the states 708 fund, which provides purses for the state and county fairs. With Hawthorne’s current situation, legislators understand the dire straits we are in. Legislative leaders are working on a gaming bill right now and we have been active with them in discussing our needs. We expect that specific language to be filed next week. Once we see the specifics of that bill and get an actual bill number, we will let everyone know. Thanks for hanging in there.