The Tampa Bay Downs Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (Tampa Bay Downs HBPA) has intensified its opposition to Florida’s proposed decoupling legislation, specifically House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408. This legislation seeks to sever the mandatory link between live horse racing and gaming operations at venues like Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Jan Meehan, vice president of the Tampa Bay Downs HBPA and a seasoned thoroughbred owner, trainer, and breeder, has been vocal about the detrimental impact such decoupling could have on Florida’s thoroughbred industry. Meehan emphasizes that live racing is integral to the state’s economy, supporting over 33,500 jobs and contributing approximately $3.24 billion annually. She warns that decoupling would not only jeopardize the livelihoods of trainers, jockeys, breeders, and associated workers but also diminish Florida’s prominence in the equestrian world, potentially causing enthusiasts and professionals to migrate to other states. Meehan urges Florida lawmakers to oppose the bills, highlighting the potential prioritization of casino gambling over the state’s rich horse-racing heritage and the communities that depend on it.
Click the link below to read the full article by Jan Meehan at www.nationalhbpa.com
https://nationalhbpa.com/tampa-bay-downs-hbpa-doubling-down-on-its-continued-opposition-to-decoupling-in-florida-hb-105-sb-408/
