(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats John J. Burzichelli, John F. McKeon, Connie Wagner and Valerie Vainieri Huttle sponsored to help New Jersey’s horse racing industry continue to create jobs and economic development was signed into law on Monday.
“These laws all share one single goal – enhancing our horse racing industry to allow it to continue creating jobs and economic development throughout our state for years to come,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We’ve taken many steps in the past year to improve our horse racing industry, and these represent another step toward keeping it strong.”
“A strong horse racing industry is vital for New Jersey’s economy,” said McKeon (D-Essex). “We must ensure its survival. Simple steps like these can help ensure this industry remains viable for years to come and modern-enough to meet the challenges ahead.”
“The horse racing industry is too important to the economies of communities throughout our state, but especially Bergen County, to let it waste away,” said Wagner (D-Bergen). “We have a long way to go to ensure its success, but these represent our continued commitment to making it strong and productive for years ahead.”
“We need a strong horse racing industry if we’re going to have a strong economy,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “It’s too important to many industries and communities, from Bergen County to elsewhere, and it needs our support.”
The laws:
· Permit wagers to be placed at racetracks or casino simulcasting facilities in advance for races not simulcast at the facility, if the race is simulcast at other facilities in the state (A-2513). It’s sponsored by McKeon.
· Permit the standardbred permit holder at the Meadowlands Racetrack to decrease the annually required minimum number of scheduled standardbred race dates from no fewer than 141 to no fewer than 75, upon written consent from the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey. The law also permits the standardbred permit holder at Freehold Raceway to decrease the annually required minimum number of scheduled standardbred race dates from 168 to no fewer than 75 upon written consent from association (A-3511). It’s sponsored by Burzichelli, Wagner and Vainieri Huttle.
