Dear PHBA Members,

We would like to thank the breeders, owners and friends who attended the commission meeting on Wednesday in support of the release of money from the Breeders Fund. It was disappointing that the funds were not released but the commission did approve a letter to be sent to the General Assembly that would urge them to restore the breeder distribution wording to its original form as quickly as possible so that back funds can be disbursed.

It was explained by Commissioner Sal DeBunda that they had been instructed by their legal counsel that it would be against the law to release the awards. It is our opinion, along with the opinion of the prominent law firm Buchanan Ingersoll, that the unclear wording does not meet the purpose and intent of the statute which is to support and promote breeding in Pennsylvania. In agreement of restoring payments under the prior wording is Senator Elder Vogel who was the original author of what is now Act 7. In his letter to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Senator explains that it was a technical error and that it was never the intension of the General Assembly to change the distribution of the Breeders Awards. Also in agreement to restoring the awards was Commissioner Russell Jones. Therefore, we believe the commission can authorize payment without breaking the law.

We are working with the Governor's office along with legislators from the Senate and House to bring this issue to a close as quickly as possible. We will be updating you next week in reference to what you can do to help.

Thank you,

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association