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July 15, 2016
Dear PHBA Members,
Although much time and effort has been put forth by our breeders' organization, as well as by a united and supportive racing industry, we were unable to get the breeder distribution wording changed back to its original form. On several occasions, we tried to mediate a compromise, but every effort to negotiate was rejected. Legislative wording that was supported by our organization, the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's groups, and three out of the four Agricultural Committee Chairs in the Pennsylvania General Assembly was completely disregarded.
We even suggested that changes to our breeding program be delayed until hearings could be held by the newly formed Racing Commission to gather information on the impact that these changes will have on the overall program. When our opposition was asked if their changes could be backed by quantified data, their response was simply that they didn't feel that the award changes would have a significant effect. Unlike that guesswork response, we can definitely attest that after extensive research, their changes will have a very unfavorable long-term effect on the PA-Bred program as a whole.
Now that the new commission is seated, we are currently petitioning that the delayed breeder and stallion awards be distributed to the waiting recipients as the new statute's wording will permit. We will continue to speak with our friends in the Senate and in the House of Representatives so that this statutory language can be effectively addressed at the earliest possible moment. Additionally, if need be, we will escalate our request to the Governor. We maintain our stance and persist in developing our unified grass roots campaign.
Acknowledgements of gratitude must go out to Senators Elder Vogel, Judith Schwank, Chuck McIlhinney and Representative Mike Carroll, their staffs, and our supporters in the Senate and House.
We thank you for and rely upon your continued support and patience during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
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