CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE
(231)206-4884...Fax(517) 552-0004
Douglas "Bobbie" Barron, President 2010-2012
Mary Mazur, V. President Gary Tinkle, Executive Director
Kathleen McIsaac, Sec./Treas. Mary Anne Barron, Office Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Owners: Owner/Trainer:
Mary Mazur '08 -'10 Tom Zimmer '08 - '10
Richard Powers '08 -'10 Joe Lewis '08- '10
Henry Mast '09 -'11 Robert Gorham '09-'11
Ray Stimac '09 -'11 James Jackson '09-'11
Kathy McIsaac '10 -'12 Buddy Richardson '10-'12
Ginny Uelmen '10 -'12 Gary Terrien '10-'12
CURRENT NEWS SECTION
STATE REVENUE FROM THE 3.5% SIMULCAST TAX FROM Jan.1 THRU Dec. 31, 2009 $6,355,283
Current Fiscal Year: Oct. 1 thru Jan. 31,2010....$1,981,903
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HAZEL PARK RACINO/CASINO PETITION 2/5: The Michigan HBPA and MHHA in alliance have not been able to gain support from Dan Adkins of Hazel Park to amend his petition after several meetings. The proposed amendment supported by the HBPA and MHHA provide for the protection of live racing, simulcasting and purses. The current petition does not provide for the mentioned.
The MHHA is urging their members NOT to sign the current petition being circulated because it lacks any protection for live racing. MHHA President Brett Boyd is scheduled to have a meeting with Mr. Adkins Monday Feb. 8 to attempt to have the current petition amended to protect live racing and purses. "If no agreement is reached we will have no alternative but to oppose this ballot proposal as written."
The Hazel Petition provides for three (3) casinos (no race track), and no provision to contribute to our purse structure. Yet, the petition is identified as "Racing to Save Michigan" to include the current 5 race tracks.Both the MI-HBPA and MHHA do not support the 3 casinos getting a free ride, without being attached to a Racino package there is little chance they would be on the ballot.
Both organizations want to support the petition if it provides protection for live racing and purse revenue, unfortunately, that is not the case with the current language. Time to secure signatures is flying, but it is also important that our industry receives the protection it deserves. Without the protections, the current language places the industry's future in jeopardy.
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RACINO/CASINO PETITION: The Michigan HBPA board met to address the petition developed by Dan Adkins of Hazel Park. The board expressed concerns over the lack of provisions for Michigan horsemen. Plans are in place to gather signatures to have the petition placed on the ballot for the November 2010 election. Some of the concerns discussed by the board:
1) No provision for live racing
2) No provision for simulcasting
3) No specific provision for purse revenue (they will need annual legislative approval)
4) No provision for contract with CHO's (certified horsemen's organization, HBPA)
The board indicated that these provisions are important to all breeds, and expressed an interest in discussing the impact they will have with other horsemen's organizations. Revenue distribution in the petition is 70% for tracks and 30% to the state for programs, counties and local municipalities. The petition provides for 5 Racinos and 3 Casinos.
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2010 RACE DATES ISSUED: Commissioner Lockwood approved the following dates for Pinnacle Race Course's 2010 season at 84 days.
June 4 - June 27 Friday, Saturday and Sunday
June 29- October 31 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday
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LOCATE YOUR LEGISLATORS:
Contact your Reprsentative: http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp
Contact your Senator: http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm
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PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PAC FUND: This industry needs the support of Lansing, like it or not that is the way it is! Any donation will be helpful! Your PAC Fund is very helpful in getting our story to those that we need to support our industry.
Please to:
Michigan HBPA PAC Fund (NO CORPORATE CHECKS)
841 N. Latson Rd.
Howell, Michigan 48843
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Liability Insurance: National HBPA Owners and Trainers Liability Ins. has been secured by the National for affiliate members. The insurance is to protect your assets against claims for bodily injury or property damage related to your horse activity to include breeding, racing, sales and training.
CONTACT: Kevin S. Lavin (800) 446-3112 to discuss details.
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Aflac: The Aflac Insurance Company, HBPA Corporate sponsor, is offering
discounts to HBPA members nationwide for accident insurance. Michigan members that may be interested contact David Pieplow call for quote:
(618) 558-4782
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Pinnacle Race Course
Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Assn.
National HBPA
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Office of the Racing Commissioner
National Thoroughbred Racing Assn.
(discount purchases for MI- HBPA members)
Michigan Equine Partnership