State Rep. Dan Lauwers, left, joined Gov. Rick Snyder and Sen. David Robertson on Tuesday for a bill-signing ceremony to recognize landmark legislation to modernize Michigan’s horse racing industry. Rep. Lauwers, R-Brockway Township, chairs the House Committee on Agriculture.
State Rep. Dan Lauwers joined Gov. Rick Snyder Tuesday for a bill-signing ceremony to acknowledge crucial legislation modernizing regulations that govern horse racing in Michigan.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. David Robertson, R-Grand Blanc Township, updates the way purses are distributed, allowing money made from wagering to stay at the track where the bet was placed. It also creates a seven-member Horse Racing Advisory Commission to strengthen and improve the vitality of the Michigan horse racing industry.
“We looked into all of the changes that have taken place in the industry since the old law was adopted 21 years ago, listened to the issues the horsemen’s associations, race tracks and breeding groups had with the outdated regulations, and came up with a solution everyone is pleased with,” said Rep. Lauwers, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture. “I’m confident the updated rules and new advisory commission will move the industry in a positive direction.”
Rep. Lauwers, R-Brockway Township, noted the important role horse racing has in Michigan’s economy. The industry employs more than 12,000 people and contributes nearly $1 billion to the state economy each year.
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