New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Executive Director Jeff Cannizzo and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Rick Violette Jr. issued the following statements after the release this morning of an agreement between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers on the New York Racing Association privatization plan. (Click here [1]to read more about the NYRA privatization plan from the Bloodhorse.com.)
NYTB Executive Director Jeff Cannizzo: “New York’s $4 billion equine industry is critical to the state’s fiscal health and those 33,000 direct jobs it supports. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s ongoing commitment to preserving this diverse agricultural industry that touches every county of New York State, the most prestigious racing in the United States will continue for decades at NYRA.
We also want to thank Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senators John Bonacic and Kathleen Marchione, and Assemblymembers J. Gary Pretlow and Carrie Woerner for their hard work on our behalf.”
NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr.: “The budget bill includes provisions that will have a positive and lasting effect on New York’s Thoroughbred industry. We applaud the Governor for his support on these issues, and we appreciate the hard work of our legislators, especially Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senators John Bonacic and Kathleen Marchione, and Assemblymembers J. Gary Pretlow and Carrie Woerner.
New York racing is second to none, and reprivatization will allow NYRA to move forward and optimize what is an invaluable asset to our state. The flexibility provided to the Jockey Injury Compensation Fund will open the door to lower costs, making New York a more attractive place to do business and creating an atmosphere of growth for the thousands of Thoroughbred owners and trainers and the tens of thousands of workers they employ. As the state’s second largest agribusiness, horses are responsible for $4.2 billion in economic impact, 1.3 million acres of green space and 33,000 full-time jobs. We thank the Governor and our representatives for the confidence and commitment they have shown in embracing initiatives so important to our industry.”
Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2017/04/08/nytha-nytb-statements-17-budget-bill/
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