11/1/07 Letter From The President
11/16/07 Mass Racing Commission Approves 2008 PRC Dates
11/19/07 Senator Menard Backs Racing Industry
12/12/07 Better Slots Odds ?
12/18/07 State House News Service
12/18/07 Letter to Rep. Flynn
1/21/08 Massachusetts Sire Stake Schedule Set
2/6/08 SOM Represented on Beacon Hill
3/5/08 Gaming Hearing Scheduled for March 18
3/20/08 Casi-NO: House Kills Gambling Proposal
3/29/08 wampanoag casino debate moves to slots
2007 Annual Meeting
October 21, 2007
The terms of Joe DiStefano, Linda Murray and John Pucillo had expired and running for those three positions were incumbents Linda Murray and John Pucillo, while Frank Dubreuil, James Hardy and Bonnie Rush also threw their hats in the ring.
In a very close vote, the election of S.O.M. Directors by the S.O.M. Membership declared three new board members. Frank Dubreuil, James Hardy and Bonnie Rush were each elected for a 3 year term.
New Officers were elected by the Board of Directors. Edward Nowak was voted President, James Hardy Vice President and Nancy Longobardi Secretary / Treasurer.
The Officers and Directors of S.O.M. wish to thank Joe DiStefano, Linda Murray and John Pucillo for their hard work and various contributions over the years.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
S.O.M., Inc.
PO Box #1682
Plainville, MA 02762
508-528-1877
508-528-3933 (fax)
November 1, 2007
Dear Members and Breeders,
This is our first mailing for the upcoming season. Enclosed you will find registration forms for standing a Stallion, Resident Broodmares and Membership. Please note the change of address for returning your registration applications and payments.
Resident Broodmares bred in 2007 and due to foal in 2008 must be registered with S.O.M. and with the
Stallions standing in
S.O.M. Members are provided information with regard to breeding, registration, payment due dates, updates on legislative matters and voting rights at the annual meeting of members. Membership in S.O.M. entitles you to be heard with regard to the breeding program in
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free call to us. Please note our new telephone and fax numbers.
Sincerely,
Edward Nowak
President
-------------------------------------------------------- PLAINVILLE - A key House chairman wants the state to take another look at slot machines at race tracks as a "bridge" to legalizing casinos in the future. However, Flynn said it will take years to legalize and build casinos. The state has a looming $1 billion budget deficit and the state needs the additional revenue from expanded gambling now, he said. Allowing race tracks to operate slot machines would act as a "bridge" to casinos in the future, generate revenue for the state and preserve jobs at the tracks, he said. Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets State Capitol
President, Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts, Inc.
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MASS STATE RACING COMMISSION
APPROVES 2008 PLAINRIDGE RACE DATES
November 16,2007
Boston MA - The Maasachusetts State Racing Commission announced today that the application for a license to conduct a harness racing meeting during the year 2008 submitted by Plainridge Racecourse was approved at the Commission's Business Meeting on November 7, 2007.
Plainridge Racecourse / Plainville / Norfolk County
March 31, 2008 through Novemebr 20, 2008
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
March - August: post time at 4:00 P.M.
September - November: post time 1:00 P.M.
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SENATOR MENARD
BACKS THE RACING INDUSTRY
Senator Joan Menard
November 19, 2007
In a meeting on Monday with Plainridge officials, directors of the Harness Horsemen's Association of New England and directors of the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts, State Senator Joan Menard expressed that she understands the volatile state of the racing industry in
When asked if the states Representatives fully understand the far reaching economical effects that the racing industry represents, she replied that she did not believe the majority of Representatives understand that the racing industry is not only about gambling, but about jobs too. Not just in the form of the trainers and grooms, but in the form of veterinarians, blacksmiths, feed and supply outlets just to name a few. Not to mention, of course, our farms and the acreage and livelihoods they represent.
Senator Menard urged everyone present and anyone with an interest in the sport to call our Senators and especially our State Representatives. They should be educated on the racing industry and make them aware that the racing industry needs to be included in the future gaming plans of the state. The successful models in
Locate your Senators and State Representatives by city and towns on the web at; http://www.mass.gov/legis/citytown.htm
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The article below is reprinted from the Sun Chronicle.
Better slots odds?
Rep. David Flynn, D-Bridgewater, acknowledged Tuesday that Gov. Deval Patrick wants full-scale resort casinos rather than slot machines at race tracks, or "racinos" as some call them.
He has called for a hearing of the House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets for next week to determine how much money slot machines at race tracks can generate for the state and how quickly they can be up and running.
Flynn is the chairman of the committee and represents a district that includes a greyhound racing track at Raynham Park.
He convened a meeting of sometimes warring factions in the racing industry Tuesday to lay the groundwork for the hearing and a new push for slot machines.
The meeting in Plainville included Gary Piontkowski, president of Plainridge Racecourse.
Piontkowski said the various track owners agreed that they could pump $2.5 billion to $3 billion into state coffers over five years if they are allowed to operate slot machines.
He said Plainridge could have its slot machines up and running in 90 to 150 days.
"Our message is we are ready, willing and able," he said.
Piontkowski said the race tracks in the state already have the roads and bridges they need for customer access, whereas casinos would need the state to build a transportation system to them.
State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, said the meeting Tuesday was an attempt to get the track owners "on the same sheet of music" to form a united front.
He said Gov. Deval Patrick "missed the boat" when he said the state should only consider resort casinos. There is still time to correct course and allow the slot machines, he said.
Looming over the debate on legalized gambling is House Speaker Sal DiMasi, D-Boston, who has been cold to both slot machines and casinos.
Flynn said DiMasi has not flatly started he would block expanded gambling and is allowing next week's hearing, so there is some reason for optimism.
The hearing will be held in Gardner Auditorium at the Statehouse on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Officials from the Patrick administration will speak first, followed by the track operators, then representatives of the casino industry and then anyone else who wishes to testify.
*end*
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By Jim O’Sullivan
and Michael P. Norton
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, DEC. 18, 2007…. Pro-casino forces brought their dollar-sign promises to Beacon Hill on Tuesday, as Gov. Deval Patrick, union workers, and racetrack and casino executives dialed up the pressure on a Legislature so far cool to the governor’s hopes for three gambling palaces.
Investors probing Bay State communities for casino sites warned policymakers not to overload casino deals with public benefits, saying subtractions from private profits would discourage investment.
“It boils down to money, money, and money,” said Gary Piontkowski, owner of Plainridge Racecourse, who appeared on a panel with other Massachusetts track owners. “The interest here today is about how much revenue the state’s going to get, how many jobs the people in front of you can create, and how we go about doing that.”
The seven-hour hearing veered toward the Runyonesque when the state’s racetrack owners testified, as Raynham-Taunton Dogtrack owner Thomas Carney’s staccato delivery broke up the audience with repeatedly off-message comments recounting his clashes with competitors, former Gov. Mitt Romney’s disdain for drinking and womanizing, and his own rags-to-riches story.
Patrick made his most direct casino argument yet before a legislative committee, laying out the state’s fiscal weaknesses and pitching the casinos as a way of producing 20,000 new jobs and $2 billion in economic activity, with $400 million in annual tax revenues. He thanked lawmakers for “allowing me and the members of my administration this first opportunity to present our views.”
Patrick’s legislation has not had a public hearing yet. Today’s hearing, before the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, was more broadly about revenues, with a clear focus on casinos.
Packing the Gardner Auditorium were red-shirted union representatives, who sat alongside dozens of legislative agents working on behalf of the gambling interests, while top Patrick aides sat in the front row and lined a rear wall.
Filed in September, the governor’s casino bill faces an uncertain legislative path. But while the administration and supportive lawmakers work to swing votes, casino executives admonished them not to seek excessive remuneration. “I think that they need to be cautious,” said Mitchell Etess, CEO of Mohegan Sun, looking to site a facility in the western part of the state.
Bruce Two Dogs Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan tribe, said the payoffs in jobs and revenues could be threatened by efforts to exact high payments from investors, and indicated the $200 million Patrick wants to charge for 10-year licenses would be prohibitive.
Before testifying, Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson, ranked by Forbes as the third-richest American, told reporters that "three [casinos] is too many" and added that unless the casino was big enough to compete with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, "forget about it."
With a hearing room crowded by opinions and with unfamiliar faces certain to command attention, Patrick did not exert himself to introduce new arguments for his plan, instead underscoring what he claims is the state’s need for new revenues, while pointing out that the state, ranked 49th in the nation in job creation over a multi-year period this decade, has climbed to 15th in a ranking covering October 2006 to October 2007.
Meanwhile, lawmakers continued to say Tuesday that Patrick aides were sending mixed messages about whether the governor would back off his threat to veto a gambling package that included slot machines at the state’s four racetracks. The slots provision could have served as a political sop to lawmakers with tracks in their districts, but Patrick has repeatedly said he would oppose that measure.
A second House member on Tuesday backed House Dean David Flynn’s comments about a meeting with top Patrick aides Monday.
“It appears … that senior staff and the governor hadn’t had a chance to speak about what had taken place in the meeting,” said Rep. Steven Walsh, vice chair of the bonding committee. Walsh added, “It appears that senior staff hadn’t had an opportunity to brief the governor on the discussions that took place.”
In response, Patrick spokeswoman Cyndi Roy said, "The governor and his senior staff both agree that that statement is inaccurate.”
On Friday, Patrick told a group of reporters the notion that House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi holds sway over the Legislature’s decision, a dynamic often portrayed in the media, is flawed, and that vote counts are not cemented yet.
“I think we do have a sense of the votes, the ones that are firm, the ones that are firm on either side and the ones that are soft,” he said. “One experience I am finding here is that there is one thing people will sometimes, legislators will sometimes say in terms of what they want to do and another thing that they will do depending on what they are told. So that all has to be sorted out. It depends on the leadership and it depends on the moment.”
A full complement of Patrick cabinet officials testified, as the administration tried to answer criticism that it has stumped for its plan only lackadaisically. Administration and Finance Secretary Leslie Kirwan said casino revenues could help address a structural deficit whose “starting point” for fiscal 2009 she said was $1.2 billion to $1.45 billion.
When House Dean David Flynn asked whether the administration would include gaming revenues in its budget for next fiscal year, Kirwan replied, “We may … Nothing is currently off the table. We have not made a decision as to whether gaming revenues would be included, but it is under consideration.” The money would be onetime revenues from licensing fees.
Gary Loveman, CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment, told reporters the state’s demographics make it an attractive market. “You have a large, affluent group of adults who have shown an interest in gaming, and very little supply, other than what’s available in Connecticut, so it’s a substantially underserved market,” he said.
Since Patrick signaled willingness to discuss casinos earlier this year, an influx of prospective investors has crowded the state. The Mashpee Wampanoag were recognized after the adoption of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and can take land in trust, a lengthy process they have commenced in Middleborough. If successful they can present a compact to the state, either now or later, and the state would be required to respond within 180 days of any filing to their proposed compact, including terms and conditions of gaming.
If the state does not respond, then the tribe can go back to federal officials and say the state had not negotiated in good faith and the federal government could then grant the tribe rights of up to what is allowed in Massachusetts.
The long awaited hearing, convened by House Dean David Flynn, co-chair of the Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, was state government’s most formalized embrace yet of the gambling industry. Flynn said he was trying to force DiMasi to move casinos up the agenda by one year. He said he was trying to slightly “undermine” both Patrick and DiMasi to force the introduction of new non-tax revenue.
Flynn said it appeared that Patrick, given his statements regarding potential vetoes and his defense of his casino bill, was not concerned with the state’s four racetracks. He said he wondered about the administration’s plans for 6,000 to 8,000 people employed at the racetracks. “I don’t think they can survive,” he said.
Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Dan O’Connell said the State Racing Commission regulates the four tracks and that all four have expressed interest in competing for a casino license. “They have a very well trained workforce,” he said, adding that the workforce would be an “asset” in any application.
Carney’s testimony proved the most raucous. He recalled working as a young child, and said the income from a casino would not change his lifestyle. “I can only eat so much and I can only drink so much, and you and I Flynny can only fight so much,” Carney told Flynn, who has long championed the Raynham track’s interests on Beacon Hill. “I was thrilled to death when I got rid of him, and he was probably thrilled to death when he got rid of me,” Carney said of a previous business association with Sarkis. Recalling past encounters with Piontkowski, he said, “Matter of fact, there was a couple of times he escaped because I couldn’t find him.”
Carney drew titters and murmurs when he gestured toward Adelson, who uses a cane, and called him “all crippled up.”
Alluding to Romney’s Mormonism, Carney said he was unsure what tenets belonged to that religion, but knew some of the pastimes it forbade were among his favorite.
While Tuesday’s testimony was tilted heavily in favor of gaming, opponents offered both arithmetical and emotional arguments. “Casinos are not inevitable in this state,” said Sen. Susan Tucker, an avowed gambling opponent. “They are trying to make them appear inevitable. “
Pointing to Patrick’s plan to include treatment, Tucker asked, “Why are we welcoming an industry that requires addiction counselors?” Tucker predicted a fundamental change in the political culture if casinos were allowed: “The lobbyists for casinos own Washington, and they will own Massachusetts.”
Flynn's co-chair, Sen. Mark Montigny, a self-described cynic of the proposal, pressed repeatedly for full disclosure of the agreements among casino investors, saying he didn't want financial deals kept in the shadows. Montigny also pressed Patrick aides to add to casino licenses requirements that operators offer their workers health insurance.
The governor said casinos would not “alter the character of our state.” Patrick noted that Bay State gambling dates until at least 1762, when John Hancock used a lottery to bankroll a Faneuil Hall refurbishment, then to finance the American Revolution, then to build dormitories in Harvard Yard.
-- END --
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'width' is a duplicate attribute name. Line 1, position 37.submitted to the joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets at the hearing on 12/18/07 on behalf of all standardbred breeders in Massachusetts.
December 18, 2007
Rep. David Flynn, Chairman
Dear Representative Flynn;
As president of the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts (SOM), the organization appointed by the State Racing Commission to represent the breeders of standardbred horses in
It has been well documented that slot machines at the state’s four race tracks will quickly and efficiently generate much needed revenues for the state treasury. The addition of slot machines at race tracks will not only save thousands of jobs at the tracks and in related services and industries, but will create additional jobs across the state. An added benefit of including slots in the expanded gaming bill will be the maintenance of green and open land throughout
Slot machines at race tracks generate larger purses and increased revenues for horsemen and dogmen, which in turn goes back into the state’s economy in the form of more and larger breeding fees as well as increased purchases of hay, grain and related products and services.
By way of example, in 2007 the Massachusetts Sire Stakes program raced for a total purse structure of less than $300,000. In contrast, our neighboring state of
Slot machines in race tracks across the country have proved to be a profitable investment for the states that have approved them. Once again, I urge you to continue to support our cause and thank you for your efforts to date.
Sincerely yours,
Edward G. Nowak
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Massachusetts Sire Stake Schedule Set
January 21, 2008
The 2008 Massachusetts Sire Stake schedule has been set by the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts.
The 2-year-old preliminary legs will be raced on August 18, September 2 and September 15. The 3-year-old preliminary legs will be held on August 25, September 8 and September 22. The schedule culminates with the 2-year-old finals on September 29 and the 3-year-old finals on October 6. All events will be held at Plainridge Racecourse.
President of the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts, Ed Nowak stated, “We have a unique program here in Massachusetts; some of our eligible 2- and 3-year-olds are also sire stake eligible in other states. With that in mind every effort has been made to avoid conflicts with division finals.”
With many eligible to some 10 or more programs in the U.S. and Canada, Nowak also noted that to craft a schedule without some conflicts would be virtually impossible.
As a reminder, continuation payments for Massachusetts eligible 2- and 3-year-olds are due February 15, 2008. The SOM Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Maryanne Lewis, to represent our needs and lobby on behalf of Massachusetts Standardbred Breeders on
Maryanne knows the territory well; she was elected and served 8 years (1995-2003) as State Representative, 11th Norfolk District. At a recent Board of Directors meeting Maryanne explained how her daily contact with individual legislators, legislative leadership, staff, key committee chairmen, and policy makers, could be beneficial to the needs of SOM.
With expanded gaming being discussed in the legislature, the board feels Maryanne will bring our message to the legislators in **************************************************** 'width' is a duplicate attribute name. Line 1, position 37. Gaming Hearing Scheduled for March 18 Governor Patrick’s proposal to expand gaming in
Maryann Lewis has been working hard on our behalf on
Attendance is encouraged once again to try to convince legislators to look outside our state for answers. Perfect models of slots at racetracks can be found in Plainridge officials feel this hearing is of utmost importance and has cancelled their second day of racing in order for every interested person to attend. The racing scheduled for Tuesday will be held on Wednesday. ********************************************* Casi-NO: House kills gambling proposal
The House of Representatives tonight resoundingly rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's casino proposal by redirecting it to a study commission amid jeers and fiery protests from lawmakers who accused House leaders of dodging a fair vote.
The 106-48 vote to kill the legislation came after a volley of angry speeches in which lawmakers repeatedly bashed the debate as a sham meant to prevent members voting up or down on the proposal. Instead, legislators voted in favor of the study, never taking up the casino bill directly.
“This has been a setup from day one, from the minute we walked in here today,” said state Rep. Stephen Canessa (D-New Bedford), a casino supporter. “We have been told what to do and how to do it.”
Some observers interrupted the proceedings with boos at the end of the debate.
The vote hands Patrick a major defeat on one of his key economic development initiatives. Patrick must wait until January to try to resurrect the casino proposal, but such a move seems fruitless after the lopsided defeat.
Patrick, who suggested the vote was a foregone conclusion last night, was not even in the State House when lawmakers voted. Aides said he was traveling to House leaders and anti-gaming lawmakers vehemently defended the process, saying lawmakers held a 13-hour hearing Tuesday and debated the bill for months before holding a full floor session today.
“I have to question how someone can suggest it was not a full and fair hearing,” said state Rep. John Scibak (D-South Hadley). “Every individual had opportunity to speak, every individual had an opportunity to present information.”
The House’s final vote today followed a flurry of back-room deal-making led by House Speaker Sal DiMasi on Wednesday that culminated in one lawmaker, state Rep. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), switching sides at the last possible minute to shift a key committee vote against Patrick.
The vote switch was made possible only after a procedural dispute extended committee voting by four hours, from noon to 4 p.m. In an early round of voting, Ross said he was in favor of the proposal, which made the vote 9-9, with one abstention. He switched sides just before the 4 p.m. deadline, amid fierce lobbying by DiMasi and after speaking to race track owners opposed to casinos.
The resulting 10-8 negative recommendation from the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development created a virtually unwinnable circumstance for Patrick’s bill. The vote forced pro-gaming lawmakers to try to overturn the recommendation on the floor - a rare feat against a powerful House speaker who has the upper hand in procedural votes.
Pro-gaming lawmakers attempted to send the bill back to the committee for reconsideration today, but they were quickly rejected by a vote of 111 to 41. A separate effort to postpone the debate was also easily rejected.
Opponents of the governor’s bill were insistent today that allegations of vote-rigging were overblown and based on sour grapes complaining by the governor and his supporters, who lost a closely-watched political fight.
The defeat of the bill - which promised $400 million in state revenue and 20,000 permanent jobs - will force lawmakers to deliver different plans for improving the state finances, which are headed toward dire straits due to a nose-diving economy and ever-increasing costs for fuel, health care and other budget busters.
While the casino proposal is dead, several lawmakers are promising to push for legalization of slot machines at the state’s four race tracks. Ross’ district includes Plainridge Racecourse, which has been lobbying for slots and could end up with a chance for a floor vote after he decided to switch sides.
******************************************************************** Wampanoag casino debate moves to slots BOSTON - Even if Gov. Deval Patrick's casinos plan failed last week, the debate on gambling is not over on Beacon Hill. But the legislation, which would allow slot machines at Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, is uncertain. 5/5/08 **************************************************** 4/29/08 Report by SOM President Ed Nowak Massachusetts Breeders are Under Attack ! SOM Awards & Annual Meeting 2009 Sunday, November 15, 2009 by Bob Lieberman Medway, MA -- At Restaurant 45 in Medway, Mass., the S.O.M. held their Annual Meeting and Awards event, on Sunday night, November 15, to a packed room of members and invited guests. The evening’s affair went off without a hitch as guest speakers were very well received discussing subjects that are near and dear to their hearts. SOM President Ed Nowak thanked everyone for attending citing the days when it was almost impossible to gather a quorum. Nowak, who made a presentation before the State Legislature last month on behalf of the breeders with regard to proposed racino legislation, looked back at the year past but eagerly looked forward to an exciting time in both in harness racing and breeding in Massachusetts. Ed also thanked Nancy Hanny for her dedicated service to S.O.M., he stated “Her term as director has expired and she has chosen not to run for re-election, we should remember Nancy guided the organization through some turbulent years and I thank her on behalf of our board for all she has done.” After a vote by the members for two director seats, Nowak was re-elected and Raymond “Chip” Campbell was newly elected, each will serve three year terms. ************************************************************
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'width' is a duplicate attribute name. Line 1, position 37.SOM Represented on Beacon Hill
February 6, 2008
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reprinted from BostonHerald.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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reprinted from TheSunChronicle
Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:32 AM EDT
Since the House overwhelmingly rejected Patrick's bill, local legislators are hoping for a debate on legalizing slot machines at the state's four racetracks.
Although House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi assured state Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, that the bill would get a hearing, nothing has been scheduled yet. "I haven't heard anything new," said Ross.
Ross has been at the center of the issue after he changed his vote on the governor's plan to build three casinos in the state. He voted against the legislation as a member of the Committee on Economic Development in a 10-8 vote against the bill, and killing it before an open debate on the House floor.
The casinos' plan did not include slot machines at tracks, and Patrick had said he would veto such legislation.
Plainridge owner Gary Piontkowski opposed Patrick's stand and lobbied Ross for his support against the casinos and for the slots. "The governor didn't have any specific consideration for the slots; that's why I was not able to continue supporting the governor," Ross said.
Ross thinks that the slots bill has a chance now.
Rep. David Flynn, D-Bridgewater, filed legislation in 2006 to legalize slot machines that passed the Senate but failed in the House a 100-55 vote.
Flynn is now hopeful for better success, citing last week's events and the gloomy economic picture for the 2009 budget. Supporters say legalizing slot machines would be a quick and simple way to bring new revenues to the state.
"This is a strong message to the governor and to the speaker that this is the only compromise that would give the commonwealth hundreds of millions of dollars in a short period of time," said Flynn. "In 110 days, the slot machines are ready to run. For the casinos to be ready to run, it takes several years."
Flynn said the slots plan would yield $200 million in licensing revenues and $400 million annually from the state's four racetracks.
But other legislators have their doubts about Flynn's bill.
"I don't think there are any chances for it," said Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro. "It will not pass because the state is opposed to it."
Lepper pointed out that there may not even be a debate on the topic.
"Are we actually going to vote on the issue or are we going to be put in a position where we will not directly vote?" said Lepper. "We are supposed to be debating and we're not because the speaker is so powerful. It will be just like the casinos bill."
Last week's vote on the casinos plan was on the question of whether to accept or reject and not on the bill itself, killing any chances for any amendments on the bill.
A similar situation may happen in the case of the slot machines bill, depending on the House speaker's willingness to open debate in the House.
Ross said DiMasi hasn't made any commitment on the issue, even though he promised to have a hearing on the bill. DiMasi's office did not return a call from The Sun Chronicle.
Rep. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield, wrote it off to politics. He also doubts the chances for slots legislation.
"Some wanted to convince influential people to kill the casinos bill to bring a debate on the slots," he said. "But I don't know whether or not there will be an open debate on it or if they will try to kill it before it's discussed."
If legislators hope for a debate, it's because most of them are waiting to see the bill's specifics.
"I guess I don't know how I will vote because I am not sure how the revenues will be distributed," Barrows said. "If there are direct benefits for cities and towns through local aid I will be more supportive than for the casinos bill."
Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, who has been a vocal supporter of the slots, said that he will make his decision only after seeing the bill. He said he will support it if there are any benefits for Plainville.
"The economic picture for the commonwealth has changed," said Ross. "We need to be sensitive to local aid, if this is a way to be able to capture revenues."
Ross thinks the bill stands a better chance if it can be ensured money will go to cities and towns.
The Republican caucus will meet next week. Barrows said that the issue will be discussed to try to find a consensus among Republicans.
The only local representative openly opposed to the slots, and legalized gambling, is Rep. Steve D'Amico, D-Seekonk.
He said legalizing slot machines would open the way for the Wampanoag tribe to get a casino. He also said any gambling legislation would take advantage of gambling addicts.
"Massachusetts' advantage is intellectual," he said. "We should look to build our future on our strengths, and not on our weaknesses."
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ITS OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE AMENDMENT IS DEFEATED
Our lobbyist, Maryanne Lewis, called today to inform us that it is now official; House Budget Amendment #888 has been officially withdrawn from consideration in the 2009 House Budget.
This was one heck of a group effort, and a big thank you goes out to everyone who actively lobbied their state representatives over the past couple of weeks. It paid off big time. However, while we may breath a little easier today, we can’t relax and get complacent. Maryanne has warned that we need to keep our eyes on the Senate to be sure nothing is added to the budget in the Senate that would adversely effect our program. She is our eyes and ears on
Meanwhile, its heartening to know that once in a while, the democratic system works and the little people can make a difference when they work together. The House of Representatives was bombarded by calls and emails and it definitely had an effect on this amendment. If you feel your representative or anyone you contacted helped in any way, please be sure to thank them for all of us.
We’ll keep you informed if anything else comes up.
Breeders Meeting with Racing Commission
As many of you know, we had a meeting on Monday at Plainridge with Walter Sullivan, Chairman of the Massachusetts State Racing Commission, regarding House Budget Amendment #888.
Present at the meeting in addition to me, were Nancy Longobardi, George Brown, Chairman of the Mass Thoroughbred Breeders Assn., Mike Perpall, President of the Horsemen’s Assn., Billy Abdelnour, President of the Amateur Drivers Association, the lobbyist for the horsemen and Gary Piontkowski. You should know that one of the first things Chariman Sullivan said when the meeting began was, “I don’t know who’s responsible for all of those emails and phone calls, but they are making a hell of an impression with the state reps!” Great going, you guys, and keep it up. We are making some headway, but it is not over yet. Keep up the good work.
Basically, we spent one and a half hours pleading our case and Chairman Sullivan pleading his. He sympathized with us, but, of course, maintained that his job is to have a balanced budget. Because track handles are decreasing, the income he can generate is also decreasing. The MSRC is funded by the tracks and not the general fund. He is looking at a revenue shortfall of $865,108 in FY 2009 and $1,173,649 for FY2010.
At the end of the meeting he said he was open to suggestions and if we could come up with any ideas other than taking simulcasting money from the sire stakes program, he would definitely consider them.
The encouraging news is that our lobbyist, the thoroughbred people and others working the hallways on
I will update with any news on this topic as it happens.
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4/23/08
Racing Commission and State Representative attempting to strip funding of Standardbred and Thoroughbred Breeding Programs.
We were notified yesterday that Representative Michael Rodrigues of Wesport has filed an amendment to the state budget, house budget amendment #888, that will basically eliminate the breeding and sire stakes program from existence! We have seen the complete amendment and will summarize it for you, if it is attached to the state budget bill it will take away all of the simulcast income we receive from Plainridge to fund the breeding and sire stake program and send it directly to the State Racing Commission. We will be left with 1% of the live racing handle, which amounts to about $5000.
President, Ed Nowak received a call last night from the chairman of the racing commission, Mr. Sullivan, who took a half hour to try to explain why this was happening. There is no sufficient explanation of this tactic, but he went on to say the Massachusetts State Racing Commission is funded by a percentage of the handle from the race tracks, not the general fund. Because the track handles are decreasing, the racing commission will be operating at an ever increasing deficit over the next three years. Therefore, since they can’t cut purses, the only place they can get added income is by eliminating the breeding and sire stakes program.
This is unacceptable, funding for the breeding program has decreased over the past few years due to lower handle also, but we did not try to steal it from the racing commission !
This amendment also includes the thoroughbreds. The chairman of the thoroughbred breeders group, George Brown, was totally unaware of the situation until he was notified by S.O.M.. This amendment would have the same affect on the thoroughbred breeders as it would on us. Unless we can stop this from happening in its present form, we are in big trouble. Emails have already been sent to State Senators and Representatives by the President on your behalf, but we strongly urge you to do the same and to make calls to as many of these people as you can.
Our lobbyist, Maryanne Lewis, is aware of the situation and has promised her immediate attention. You are urged to email and call the sponsor of this attack, Representative Michael Rodrigues and also notify House Speaker Sal DiMasi. Their email addresses and telephone numbers as well as your local representatives can be found at http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm
Do not waste any time, this will come up next week and if this passes we will be out of business by the end of the month.
We are in crisis mode.
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2010 SOM Directors from left Paul Vacca, Raymond "Chip" Campbell, Frank Dubreuil, Nancy Longobardi, James Hardy, Bonnie Rush and Ed Nowak
After dinner the Guest Speaker was Dr. Doug Hutchins of Lyman Maine, a veterinarian for almost forty years with unprecedented knowledge of his industry and the standardbred breeding industry. Dr Hutchins used the example of his favorite stallion, Yankee Glide, as a prime example of talents in the breeding shed. He left the members with the understanding of how the positive effect of legalized gambling in the form of slots has been to the state of Maine, its horsemen and breeders. By putting together a combined push for racinos, together the horsemen and breeders realized how effective a positive effort could bring about a successful end result. The racino atmosphere has proven to be a money maker for all, at this point in time. The members were very impressed with his report and the effort for detail; his points were very well taken.
State Representative Richard Ross Dr. Doug Hutchins
The evening’s Honored Guest was State Representative Richard Ross, a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives out of the Ninth Norfolk District. He is a member of the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee that are overseeing the hearings on expanded gaming in the state. Representative Ross is hopeful for a decision in mid January, 2010, regarding slots at the states racetracks, to help the industry and bring new forms of revenue to aid the financial pitfall that the state has found itself in. Ross thinks expanded gaming at Plainridge Racecourse, which is in his district, is strategically located at Route 1, 95 & 495 to provide immediate benefits to the commonwealth. The Representative concluded with discussion on the simulcast bill and breeding bill which he said he was confident would soon be extended into next year.
The Seasons Awards were then presented;
Paul Vacca presents award for RC Authority Kathy & Jamie Blash with Tom Mello
Divisional Champions
Two Year Old Filly Trot
FIRST TAIL U SEE
Two Year Old Colt Trot
PIONEER VALLEY
Two Year Old Filly Pace
NATIVE BOMBSHELL
Two Year Old Colt Pace
FAST GUY
Three Year Old Filly Trot
RC CURIOSITY
Three Year Old Colt Trot
RC AUTHORITY
Three Year Old Filly Pace
AL'S BABY GIRL
Three Year Old Colt Pace
HEYITSONLYMONEY
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2009 Sire Stake Wrap Up
2009 Yearlings
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2009 Two Year Olds
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2009 Three Year Olds
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