Legislative Updates


March 13, 2010 - From Don Marean
We got through another week at the State House. Whew !! The next week to ten days will be critical for us as the legislature works to fill the holes let in their budget. We are making our presence known there and that seems to help. This week on Thursday, at the direction of the MHHA and MSBOA Boards, I testified against the Oxford County Casino bill LD 1808. My testimony was based on the restrictions in the bill that would affect both Bangor and Scarborough and the facts that this bill LD 1808 would, if passed, take away Scarborough's rights to have a racino and Penn Nationals rights to pursue table games. There will be a work session on Wednesday 3/17 at 10am in the Legal & Vets committee room. There is a movement to add Penn National and the Passmaquoddy Tribe as a competing measure without any consideration of Scarborough. The competing measure would allow the referendum (if passed by the committee) to have three choices on the ballot: 1/ Do you want a Casino in Oxford 2/ Do you want a casino in Oxford, a Racino in Washington County and allow table games at Hollywood Slots. 3/ None of the above. It will be interesting to see where this all goes. Also this week there was a bill being considered that would taken away some of the tax exemptions for equine. I spent considerable time with the committee members and finally convinced the the chairs to take that language out of their proposal. As of this moment everything has reverted to the original language. Horses are livestock and are tax exempt for many things and we need to keep it that way. As soon as they find a way take away our exempt status the next move would be to remove us from the livestock protections and that would not be good. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contact me or your directors.
February 20, 2010 - From Don Marean
It was a very quiet week at the State House. The schools of course were closed and a lot of the legislators were on vacation with their children. There were some committee meetings but nothing that had any effect on us. I expect next week to be different as they will be back on regular schedules. This week on Thursday's House Calendar, Barbara Dresser's nomination to the Harness Racing Commission was refered to the Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Committee. Her confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday Feb 24th at 1PM in room 206 of the Cross Building. I am planning to attend and testify in support of the Governor's nomination. If anyone has any questions on issues please let me know or contact any director of the MHHA or MSBOA.
February 12, 2010 - From Don Marean
We got through another week at the State House and we are still whole. The Rep Valentino proposal is still hanging out there but came out of committee as a minority report. The next couple of weeks will test or strength as an industry so we need to remain on guard at the nest. Please watch here daily for updates, we may need to have an industry wide meeting as the budget deadline moves closer. On another front Governor Baldacci has nominated Barbara Dresser from Southern Maine to serve on the Harness Racing Commission and that confirmation hearing will be going before the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee in the next couple of weeks. Questions or suggestions regarding the legislature feel free to contact me or any director of the MHHA or MSBOA.


February 6, 2010 - From Don Marean
We got through another week at the State House in the Legal & Vets Committee. The Rep Valentino proposal is still there but hasn't the support it once had. The committee will be taking up the budget again on Wednesday Feb 10th at 9am. Presently our funds have not been moved into their budget document. The vote is 4-6 against the Valentino proposal but that could all change over the weekend. Wednesday should give us an indication where we stand in that committee. On Thursday their budget gets presented to the Appropriations Committee and this we be another hurdle for us to clear. Even if the Legal & Vets present their budget without our funds in it that doesn't mean the Appropriations committee might not move us in ? They have the final say as to what goes in and what doesn't. If we can clear that hurdle on Thursday then we will be ok until the final days of the budget bill at which time we will have to monitor 24 hrs hours a day to make sure they don't move us in in the middle of the night. We are making progress and have worked with a lot of legislators to try and educate them on our industry. Will keep you posted as the issue moves along. Have questions or suggestions please contact me or any of the folks representing our industry.


January 26, 2010 - From Don Marean
Thanks for making the effort to come to the State House this morning !! I know everyone couldn't make it but about 30 or so of us were there. The action of the committee was VERY DISAPPOINTING to say the least. They never discussed our issue in public but instead dodged the bullet and sent the issue to the Appropriations Committee. That committee listened to the proposal and sent it back to the Legal & Vets at 4pm today. I don't think the issue got much support from either committee but we still need to watch the process as it unfolds. Nothing is ever finished up there until they have all gone home at the end of session. We finally late this afternoon got a copy of Rep Valentino's proposal and we will be distributing that to industry leaders. Please stay tuned we may have to return to the State House again as this issue comes back before the Legal & Vet Committee in the next week to ten days. Thanks again.
October 16, 2009 - From Don Marean
The summer has come and gone and autumn is in full bloom. The legislative body and most of the joint standing committees have been quiet all summer. One of the committees that has been working on a regular basis is Appropriations Committee because of the large hole in the budget and that deficit continues to grow as the economy struggles. We are carefully watching, listening and maintaining communications with the committee making sure we understand where they are looking for funds and if they might be considering any new ideas on how they generate revenue to fill the budget hole. This is a critical time for our industry with the budget deficit and also the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee (LVA) is scheduled to meet October 19 at the State House to consider proposing some new legislation that could have an effect on the industry. The LVA Committee has been authorized by legislature by it passing a “Resolve, Authorizing the Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs to Report Out Legislation Regarding the Expansion of Slot Machine and Casino-style Gambling”. This resolve directs the committee LVA to begin gathering information for discussion regarding a comprehensive policy to govern slot machine and casino-style gambling in the State, including, but not limited to, state operated gambling facilities, additional slot machine facilities at commercial tracks and a competitive bidding process allowing private entities to contract with the State to conduct gambling. We are going to try encouraging the committee to turn this resolve into a study so there will be ample time to really look at the issue and come up with legislation that will benefit everyone. Also we are hoping to get representation of our industry on the study committee if there is one. There is one other issue that we all need to be concerned about and that is a referendum question coming up on the Nov 3rd ballot. The question on “TABOR II” Tax payer Bill of Rights if the people of Maine pass this referendum question it could have an effect on our racino funds because this new law would put caps on our funds. We are not the only ones affected it caps all dedicated and special revenue accounts and there are hundreds of them. That being said if it passes we will have join in the fight to change it when it goes before the legislature. I am not trying to convince you to vote against but just that you consider the out come if it passes. On a positive note I have been making appearances at several Maine Rotary Clubs this summer telling them about our industry. I was in Windham on Thursday Sept 24th and spoke to the Lakes Region Rotary Club and invited them to come to Cumberland on Thursday Oct 1st and visit the paddock and watch a few races. Three of them showed up and I took them into the paddock and explained what was going on and they stayed around and watched a few races and really enjoyed themselves. These folks had never been into the paddock before and one of them had never been to a race. All of them were amazed at how hard we work and the care we give our animals. I think we have three new fans and perhaps a new owner. If any of you have any questions please feel free to contact me anytime. (lindonfarm@sacoriver.net).
June 14, 2009 - From Don Marean
Thought I would give you an update on the things I have been doing this summer for the industry. In August I spoke to the Brunswick Rotary Club and the turn out was good and the folks were very interested in our sport. They asked some very good questions and invited me back to speak again this fall when they will have a larger turnout. Today I spoke at the Lakes Region Rotary in Windham and was very well received by a good turnout. They also asked a lot of great questions and were interested in our current racing success. I have invited them to come to Cumberland next Thursday after their noon meeting and watch a few races and offered them a tour of the paddock. The Governor has also appointed me to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to represent livestock and I had my first meeting last week. Also the study committee for the horse issue has been appointed and I have been made chair of the committee and we will be having our first of four meetings Oct 14th. I am hoping we can come out of the study with findings that will satisfy the legislature that there aren't any problems with the horse population in Maine. If the study does find problems then I am sure the legislature will be looking to the committee for new funding from the horse industry to help support the Animal Welfare budget. I will keep you all posted to our findings and progress. Any questions please let me know and also if you know of Civic Organizations looking for speakers let me know I would be happy to speak.

June 14, 2009 - From Don Marean
Hello Folks: The 2009 Legislative Session finally concluded late Friday night, early Sat morning. I am happy to report that all the issues that were of concern to the horse industry have been successfully taken out of any legislation or killed completely. This was a very busy session for taxing horses but with the help of the Maine Farm Bureau we were very fortunate to come away from Augusta still in tact with NO NEW TAX. If you are not a Farm Bureau member you should seriously consider joining as they have a very large voice with the legislature and are highly respected too. The Farm Bureau Horse Council that represents all breeds in Maine is the fastest growing segment of the Farm Bureau and has the largest % of the Bureau's membership. Your membership will help the bureau to continue working for the horse industry in Augusta and our support is critical. There were three pressing issues that directly effected us that were resolved in our favor. The first was the "Stable License Bill" which we were able to turn into a study for this coming summer, Commissioner Bradstreet has agreed to appoint me as chair of the study. The committee has been directed by the legislature to look at the best management practices of horses (all breeds) and to recommend changes if we find any. The committee is to report back to the Agriculture Committee in Jan 2010 on its findings. The issue of stable licenses is not included in the study. Second issue was a last minute amendment to a bill to add a 1% surcharge on all "horse tack" as a way to help fund the animal welfare budget. With the help of Jon Olson of the Maine Farm Bureau we were successful in getting that amendment removed from the bill. The fact that there is a study about to start was a key to our success. The danger here is that the Agriculture Committee is looking for funding from the horse industry to support the animal welfare's huge budget shortfalls. We will need to be very watchful of the study committee this summer which is the reason I agreed to chair the study. The final issue for us was in this past week when the Legislature passed a "new taxation bill" which broadened the sales tax to many new sources of revenue for the State. There was an interpretation by the Maine Revenue Services (sales tax collectors) that horse boarding, training and sales would be subject the the new 5% sales tax. After several hours of lobbying, phone calls and visits to the State House we were able to get an amendment on the bill that clarified that livestock was exempt from the tax. Thankfully several years ago we were able to include horses in the definition of livestock under the agricultural statues. The amendment to the bill clarified this language in the tax code to coincide with the language in the agriculture statues. That fixed the problem and we are whole again. All three of these bills would have effected the entire Maine horse industry so continued unity is imperative and that can be accomplished by your support of the Maine Farm Bureau and its Horse Council. Regards To All
June 7, 2009 - From Don Marean
Had a very busy day on Friday (6/05) as the legislature was trying to pass and did pass the bill that broadens the sales tax on a whole bunch of things. Got a call early Friday morning that there was discussion that horses we going to be included in the new tax for training, boarding and sales. I worked until 8;30pm Friday on this and after several dozen phone calls and e-mails I think we have it resolved. We (horses) are classified as livestock which are farm animals and that supposedly made us exempt. However Maine Revenue Services has said (and I have it in writing from them) that certain horses could be taxed and would be taxed. With the help of some of my democrat friends we got the issue in the process of being resolved. The House Majority Leader Rep John Piotto and the House Chair of Agriculture Wendy Pieh have promised me they will put in language to correct the definition of horse in the tax code so that it comforms with the same definition in the agricultural statues. This should correct the problem and I will follow it through to make sure. You can NEVER SLEEP when these folks are working so thank heavens they going home next week we hope. If you have any questions, please let me know.
May 30, 2009 - From Don Marean
After a bunch of phone calls, e-mails and a four hour visit before the Agriculture Comm yesterday the issue of the 1% surcharge on horse tack is DEAD !! I can tell you folks this would have happened without heavy heavy lobbying. The committee was not appreciative of my efforts and was looking for funds anyplace they could find them to help fill the hole in the Animal Welfare budget. They will be looking at the horse industry again as they feel we don't contribute enough to the budget for the problems they claim the horse industry causes the department. I can promise you they haven't given up on the idea of finding a way to tax or surcharge us. The study bill they passed LD458 to look at the issues with animal welfare for horses will soon begin to take shape. The Commissioner of Agriculture will appoint the study committee and I have been working with him to make sure we get a group that can work together and hopefully put this issues to rest. The good news we are safe for now.
May 20, 2009 - From Don Marean
Well those folks in Augusta slipped one by me. There was a bill in committee yesterday LD964 that dealt with "The Breeding and selling of dog and cats" and they were looking for more money for the animal welfare budget. I had contacted the chair of the committee the previous night to be sure there wasn't any talk of horses in this bill or discussion and was told NO. I offered to make the trip to protect our interests and was told that wasn't necessary as they had no plans to discuss the horse industry. Low and behold I got a message from Jon Olsen last night and he told me they amended the bill to put a "1% SURCHARGE" on the purchase of horse tack. I worked into the night last night and this morning on this and have heard back from several of the legislators on that committee and they have agreed that I can appear before the committee to defend our position. Expect that will happen very quickly I will keep you all posted. I am working with the chairs of the committee to try and get them to remove the 1% surcharge and I think I am making some headway. You can NEVER take your eyes and ears off Augusta when these folks are there. Stay tuned.
May 3, 2009 - From Don Marean
Things are VERY BUSY at the State House as they are working on the huge budget deficit. We are as of today looking ok and there hasn't been any discussion of our racino funds(yet). The efforts we made last session to get our funds in dedicated revenue accounts in exchange for our funding the race commission from our own funds had certainly paid dividends so far. On other current issues the bill that would have required "Equine Stable License" has been amended and passed and will be signed by the Governor next week. The amended bill deletes the original language and directs the Commissioner of Agriculture to appoint a study committee of horse folks (all breeds) to look at the issues of horses in Maine. I am very confident we (harness industry) will have a seat at the table. The study committee will report to the legislature its findings in Janurary 2010. Another bill I have been following and working on is the "Animal Identification" bill. It looks like the Federal Govt will be coming out with some kind of a federal ID mandate and Maine is trying to be ready with a plan. We think we have convinced the Agric Committee to carry the bill over until next session "2010" and see what the Feds are coming up with. There is also a bill to control agriculture composting. The DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) is trying to regulate the composting industry and it is becoming very difficult for agriculture composters to comply with all their rules and oversight. This bill would clearly put all regulation with agriculture where it belongs. This bill is of interest to us as these composters are the ones taking our manure from the race tracks, commericial breeders and stables and some fairs that provide stables. This bill has been a tough one to lobby and has required allot of time as well. Finally the latest bill out that will have an impact on us is LD1458. This bill would allow a racino in Washington County on tribal land and a racino in Oxford at the fairgrounds as well as allowing Scarborough Downs to relocate and build a new track and racino. The public hearing was April 27th and the only one speaking against was the Gov's office. The industry has some concerns with the bill so we all got together to discuss our issues. From that meeting came an agreement to ask the sponsor of the bill Sen Bryant for him to ask the Legal & Vets committee to carry the bill over til next session "2010" to give us the chance to make changes. It looks like there is support from the Legal & Vets committee to carry over. This would give us time to craft a bill that we all can support and will be good for everybody. If you have questions please contact me or your board of directors or the folks that represent your interests.
April 17, 2009 - From Don Marean
This is a new bill just referred to the Legal & Vets Committee this week. The public hearing will be April 27th 900AM in the Legal & Vets Committee room fourth floor of Capitol Building. Please review it and contact me or any of the directors of the MHHA or MSBOA. The bill will get a review by the industry prior to the public hearing. Your input is important so please feel free. This bill could be a real asset to our industry if passed. I am sure there will be some concerns with the language as nothing is perfect especially the first draft. http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/billpdfs/SP054201.pdf
March 28, 2009 - From Don Marean
A quiet week at the State House this past week. Spent part of the day one day listening to budget issues and on Friday I attended my confirmation hearing before the Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Committee on my appointment by Governor Baldacci to the "Land For Maine's Future Board". I was conformed by a unanimous vote by the committee now it needs to go before the Senate this coming week. I am truly honored and privileged to be asked to serve on this board. It will only help our cause at the State House too. This coming week on Monday there will be a work shop on LD805 the Scarborough Downs relocate bill. We expect the session late morning or right after lunch. The bill will be amended to put back the present cascade distributions and put in 50 miles from the present track instead of 5 miles. There is some speculation that it might be suggested the bill be carried over to the next session. On Tuesday it will be Maine Agriculture Day with lunch served at the Augusta Grange. If your available plan to attend and meet and talk with your legislator. On Wednesday and Friday there are several bills before the Agriculture Committee none that directly effect us but some animal welfare issues that could effect us if we aren't there to watch. I will be there watching. If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me or the office of the MHHA or any director of the MSBOA or MHHA and they will in turn relay your concerns.
March 14, 2009 - From Don Marean
"An Act To Change Limits on Commercial Harness Racing Tracks" There will be a public hearing this Monday 3/16 at 10am in the Capitol Building 4th floor in the Legal & Vets Committee room. This bill is number seven to be heard that day and is likely to be later than 10am's starting time. If you look at the bills text and read the summary you will be able to see what the bill is trying to do. Your presence would be appreciated and you wouldn't need to speak if you didn't want but just being there says allot to the committee. This bill will allow Scarborough Downs the opportunity to relocate its track to a new host community in Southern Maine and would allow it to become a racino also. The bill removes two provisions that are in the existing law. In 2003 Maine voters approved at referendum the operation of slots at both of Maine's commercial harness racing tracks. In that referendum is language that requires any racetrack had to be located within five miles of the existing facility this bill removes that along with the language for the local option for a referendum of approval before Dec 31 2003. This bill will also put the number of slots approved in 2003 back to 3000 instead of the 1500 as it is now. It will have no effect on our present slot revenues and will provide funds for the harness racing industry at the same % we receive now. If this bill is approved the 4% that goes to Scarborough and Bangor now will be then paid to the general fund as soon as both tracks have slots. All other monies under this bill (no effect on present Bangor Racino Funds) will go to the general fund if it passes as written. Our industry continues to receive exactly as we do now. I believe this bill if passed as written will have a positive impact on our industry and would allow for a racino in Southern Maine. On the bill LD458 "Equine Stable License" there was a work shop on Wednesday 3/11 which Chandler and I attended and recommended and agreed with committee that the language in the original bill should be replaced. The new amendment (yet to be seen for final approval) will instruct the Commissioner of Agriculture to appoint a committee of "Industry Horse People" (all breeds) to research the equine industry for problems and to establish best management practices for equine. The committee will report back to the Agriculture Committee on their findings and recommendations if any. This new amendment will not put into law any license requirements or authorization to bring forward new legislation for a stable licenses. I am confident we will have a voice on that committee and think this is the best way out if the current bill language. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me.
March 7, 2009 - From Don Marean
This past week at the State House was a busy one and the EVENT OF THE WEEK was the presentation of Jason Bartlett's USA driving colors for the World Driving Challenge taking place in Norway in May. Our Governor John Baldacci presented Jason his colors in his cabinet room before a group of industry folks and Jason's family of about 50 people. The Governor stayed around for about half hour after the presentation for photos and to chat. It was a very nice nice day for all and for Maine harness racing. Went to the budget hearings on Friday and and there was an inquiry by a Representative of the House about the Racino Funds. He has asked for a report on all funds for harness racing. I am not sure what that will bring but we all need to be ready to protect our funds if necessary. I will continue to monitor the process and talk with the person that requested the information to see where he is headed with it. On Wednesday March 18 at 10AM in the Agriculture Committee room there will be a workshop on LD458 "Equine Stable License" bill. If you have the time and want to attend please do so. There will be no public testimony or public input unless requested by the committee. Our goal is to kill the bill or at the very least amend it so that there will be no requirements or fees put into law. We are going to work with the committee and bring about the best possible results that we can. There are also a couple of more bills in the works that affect harness racing and as they make their way through the chambers I will update you.
February 28, 2009 - From Don Marean
The public hearing Wednesday in Augusta on LD 458 was a jam packed event and I am very happy to report that OUR INDUSTRY was very well represented by both boards of the MHHA and MSBOA. The testimony was ten to one against the bill with a lot of support from some very important organizations. The Farm Bureau ,The Horse Council, Dept of Agric and the Animal Welfare to mention a few all testified against. There was an excellent showing of horse people of all breeds and I am pretty sure the committee heard our message. I have been asked by the chair to attend the work session on this bill and asked to bring language for a friendly amendment to the bill. I had planned to attend the work session anyway but the invite adds strength to our efforts to kill the bill and offer something less intrusive without any laws or demands tied to it. That's the goal that I plan to pursue. I will let you know when and where the public hearing will take place. The next hurdle will be the new budget for 2010 & 2011 and the hearings will start next week. That will require allot of time and very focused attention to details. At the moment there aren't any rumors of an attack on our funds and that is great news for us. Keep you posted. Questions please feel free to call me anytime.
February 21, 2009 - From Don Marean
There is a bill in the Legislature LD458 that if it passes will require a "STABLE LICENSE" for equine owners. There is going to be a public hearing next Wednesday 2/25/09 in Augusta at the Cross Office building in room 206 (Agriculture Committee room) at 9:30am. Please make every effort to attend this hearing and speak against the bill. This bill is a "feel good bill" for the animal rights folks and could prove to be a real hardship on all of us. Control of the equine industry is the real reason behind this and we need to speak out against "government control" of our business. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I have been working on this bill for a couple of weeks and thought we had reached an agreement to pull the bill but the folks that agreed to it have since changed their mind and want to move forward. It is important that we have as many folks as we can speak against this. Please forward this to as many folks as you can that have interest in horses. Click here for a copy of the bill. The bill if passed will require the Department of Agriculture to develop language for "Equine Boarding Facility License" and submit it to the next session of the Legislature in 2010. The bill specifically says SHALL and not MAY so even though the Department may not find licensing necessary they have no choice in the decision but come up with a law. The bill also says the fee will increase based on the number of horses stabled. The bill also directs the Department to submit specific language that provides for inspection of licensed equine boarding facilities by state humane agents. This allows for a humane agent to come into your barn or on your property anytime they wish. In my opinion this bill is nothing more than Government Control of our business and does nothing except give humane agents special rights to inspect without due cause. It also would be a money grabber for the State and add another layer of government to our lives. There is NO valid reason for this bill except control.
February 13, 2009 - From Don Marean
Wanted to bring you up to date on goings on in Augusta since the first of the year. I have been up there several days attending public hearings and budget hearings during the past six weeks. I am happy to report that we (the industry) got through the supplemental budget crisis with no impact on us. The supplemental budget was passed and signed by the Governor a couple of weeks ago so we can relax on that issue. I have been meeting new and present legislators talking with them in preparation for the new 2010 & 2011 budget in hopes we can keep them away from our funds. The new budget document has been printed and there doesn't appear to be anything in it that affects us. That being said, the danger lies with a new legislator looking at our funds and not understanding the industry, the money looks like easy picking and a bill appears that would grab some of it. We will be watching that very carefully. There have been a couple of bills (LD170 & LD458) that will have an effect on us if they were to become law. LD170 is a bill that deals with commercial race track surfaces conditions. We have lobbied that bill very hard and the industries efforts working together have asked the sponsor of the bill to pull it from the legislative files. The bill sponsor has agreed and the bill was withdrawn yesterday in the Senate and placed in the dead file. The second bill LD458 has yet to have a public hearing. This bill would require all of us to have an "Equine Stable License". I am currently working with the entire horse industry (all breeds) to lobby against the bill in hopes we can get the sponsor to withdraw before the public hearing. If we aren't successful in our efforts then it will be VERY IMPORTANT that all of you attend the public hearing and speak against this legislation. I will keep you posted on the progress and if a hearing is necessary you will be hearing from me. That's it for now and if you have questions or suggestions please let me know.
June 25, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
Some exciting news from the Gov's Office in Augusta. Jon Seavey the new exec director for the MHHA had seen the State of Michigan's Gov make a proclamation for a Special Harness Racing Day. Jon asked me if I would be willing to ask our Gov if he would issue a PROCLAMATION for Maine. I asked the Gov if he would declare 'MAINE HARNESS RACING DAYS' for October 11th and 12th for the Maine Sire Stakes Finals at Scarborough Downs. He has agreed to issue the Proclamation for the Industry and we all should make every effort to make all those around us aware. It will be a GREAT DAY for all of us and I have invited the Gov and his Staff to attend on one or both days and he has assured me that he will make an effort to come. Please be sure to put this in your newsletters and on your web pages etc If you have questions or suggestions feel free to contact me or the MHHA or MSBOA. Thanks Jon for the idea !
April 16, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
I am happy to report that the Harness Racing Study Bill has been signed into law by the Gov and has become "Public Law 2007, chapter 611". This study, now law, will be very beneficial to the industry and will give the Harness Racing Commission the tools they need to properly regulate. The results of the study will also raise the integrity of the sport and help to level the playing field for all. We have had much success this session of the Legislature and thank you to all those that worked so hard to let the Legislature know we are serious about our sport and its future. We are in our last days of session and the hours are long and I will be glad to see the end perhaps late tonight or early tomorrow morning. Look forward to seeing you all the the races. So long for know.
April 7, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
Our language to protect our money that was in the Gov's supplemental budget LD 2289 was passed and signed into law by the Gov on March 31, 2008 and will become active law on July 1st 2008. The study bill is on the House calendar for Tuesday 4/8/08 and I expect it to just go under the hammer with no debate but you never know. When I arrived at the State House this morning I was told the Dept of Public Safety (State Police) had attached a fiscal note to the bill of $190,000 for each of the next two years. Needless to say I worked most of the day with the Dept of Public Safety and got the fiscal note removed from the bill. What apparently happened is someone misunderstood the agreement between the Dept of Agric and Public Safety to work together on positive drug cases. The folks at Public Safety thought they had to hire a new detective with car and laptop to do the investigative work. When the actual agreement allowed the commission to do it and request the State Police when needed. Therefore we were able to remove and fiscal note and move the bill forward. Everything is on track again at present. Will let you know how the bill progresses.

April 2, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
The bill that would allow a Casino in Oxford County came before the Legal & Vets Committee today and they voted the bill out today "OUGHT NOT TO PASS". It will now go to referendum vote this fall. The legislature has decided they don't want to deal with it and the proponents of the legislation have collected enough signatures (55,000) plus to force the vote of the people. The Indian Island slot machine bill has passed the house on a very positive vote and is now stuck between the House and Senate. Even if it passes both chambers the Gov says he will veto it. I will keep you all posted in its progress.
April 1, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
Hello Folks from The House Chamber: The budget bill passed both the House and Senate last night late and is now on its way to the Gov's for his signature. Our language was in the document and it passed along with the budget so we (the industry) now have protection of our funds in dedicated revenue accounts. This protection makes it more difficult and somewhat uncomfortable for the legislature to try and sweep our money or to use it to close budget gaps and or fund a general revenue budget. For that protection the industry has agreed to fund the Harness Racing Commission from our own funds which I believe as does the industry a good move on our part and adds credibility for us with the Legislature. Because of our efforts and willingness to fund the the Harness Commission it appears there wasn't any support in this current legislature to cap our Racino Funds. Thanks to all for their support. The study bill LD 2184 is in the pipeline but has not reached the House floor yet. I will keep you posted as it moves through the chambers.
March 30, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
The supplemental budget with our language to protect our Racino Funds has thus far cleared 42 amendments in the House and 20 amendments in the Senate and none of the amendments touched or modified our language or funds. The House passed a majority budget on Thursday and sent it to the Senate at 4PM and they worked until 1AM Friday and sent an amended budget back to the House but the House wouldn't accept their budget as amended and the House voted to Adhere to their original budget and sent it back to them Friday morning. The Senate will absolutely not accept the House budget and they can't agree between the House and Senate on a majority budget so the Senate adjourned at 4PM on Friday and will reconvene Monday 3/31 and try to resolve the issues between the chambers. We have to pass the budget by midnight Monday. I expect we will be there until midnight trying to reach an agreement. Such Fun ! It looks like we are fine at present and there doesn't seem to be any chatter in either chamber about capping our funds or changing our language. As soon as a budget is passed I will send an update. The Study Bill LD 2184 has left the Agric. Comm. after a unanimous vote and is on its way to the House floor this coming week. I don't expect any floor debate and hope it will just go under the hammer as they usually do with a committee unanimous report.
March 21, 2008 - From Don Marean, State Representative
We finally have language in the Gov's budget that will protect our Racino Funds putting them into a dedicated revenue account. This will make it much more difficult and somewhat uncomfortable for the Legislature to be using our money to balance the budget and run State Government. The Budget bill will now move through both chambers for approval. I expect there may be some move to remove our language from the budget as it rec'd a 9 to 4 vote in the Approps. Comm. and those who voted against may try to remove it with a floor amendment, We did however get allot of support from the majority party and because the industry agreed to fund the harness commission from our own racino dollars that too got us allot of support and credibility. There seems at this point no desire from the Approps. Comm. to discuss or consider putting a cap on our funds and I believe that is because of our willingness to do what we have done. For our efforts and contributions the industry has sent a message to the Legislature that we are and we want to protect the integrity and well being of our future. I think they have heard us ? I will keep you up to date on our progress.