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2008 Policy Book
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The Michigan equine industry is an integral part of the overall agricultural economy of the State.
Therefore, we recommend the Horse Racing Commissioner be a Michigan resident. We also recommend the Commissioner have an active background in horse racing, and has been involved in the actual racing of horses, whether as a trainer, jockey or driver, and also have awareness of the inner workings of the actual racing experience on the track. We support full funding of the Office of the Racing Commissioner.
The Michigan horse racing industry, in addition to providing over 40,000 jobs in the state, purchases large amounts of Michigan grown and manufactured inputs. To ensure a horse racing industry that is viable for many years, Michigan legislative changes are necessary. The Michigan horse racing industry, as in neighboring states and provinces, faces stiff competition from other gaming options.
As neighboring states change and improve, their purses will exceed those of Michigan, leading to a drain of our best racehorses. This will cause a migration of training stables and breeding farms, which will lead to a general reduction in the viability of a great agricultural industry in Michigan.
In an effort to keep Michigan's horse racing industry competitive and on a level playing field with competition, we support efforts by the industry to develop better marketing and improve their facilities and public image.
We support the combined efforts of the Michigan horse racing industry to enact legislation, which has been successful in other states and provinces, that will benefit Michigan horse men and women and allow racing to continue as a strong contributor to Michigan agriculture. We are concerned over the loss of revenue to Michigan's horse racing industry due to illegal internet wagering. We support efforts to strengthen enforcement provisions regarding internet wagering. Additionally, the casino tax is scheduled to expire in 2008, which will lead to a funding shortage for Michigan's equine industry. We support an extension and expansion of the casino tax to fund the Michigan Equine Enhancement Program.
We support working with the Office of the Racing Commissioner to review Michigan's current horse racing laws and recommend changes that would allow for future industry growth and sustainability. We believe it is important to understand the Michigan horse racing industry and encourage continued education of our members regarding the importance of horse racing to Michigan's agricultural economy.
We support changes to the Michigan Horse Racing Act to improve the compliance and enforcement regarding the use of illegal drugs in racehorses.
We oppose all attempts to classify equine as companion animals and encourage the Michigan Department of Agriculture to work with local units of government to continue to classify equine operations as agricultural for zoning purposes.
We support marketing opportunities for the equine industry and will oppose any attempts to limit them. We encourage Michigan Farm Bureau to work to re-establish additional harvest options for the equine industry.
We support reinstatement of funding for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for inspectors in facilities that slaughter horses.
We are encouraged by the recent activities of the Michigan equine industry to unify and collaborate on issues of mutual interest. We will support the continued expansion of these unified interests as the equine industry plays an increasing role in Michigan's economy.
MFB should work with the Michigan equine industry and Michigan State University to coordinate and conduct a conference on Michigan's equine industry.
We support revisions to the Equine Liability Act that strengthens liability protection measures for the equine industry.
In an attempt to encourage the equine industry to be more proactive in environmental protection, we encourage MFB to develop an equine specific industry strategy that focuses on MAEAP verification, manure management and environmental protection for the equine industry.
