Reps. Griffin, Simpson, Accavitti, Bauer, Bieda, Brown, Byrnes, Caswell, Caul, Clack, Condino, Constan, Cushingberry, Donigan, Espinoza, Farrah, Garfield, Gillard, Gonzales, Hammel, Hildenbrand, Hopgood, Rick Jones, Robert Jones, Kathleen Law, LeBlanc, Lemmons, Marleau, Mayes, McDowell, Meisner, Pastor, Polidori, Proos, Scott, Spade, Stakoe, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Valentine, Wojno and Young offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 128.

A resolution to commemorate June 2007 as Michigan Horse Racing Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Michigan horse racing, with pari-mutuel wagering, is a 74-year-old tradition that began in Detroit at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. That is also where and when the famous race horse, Seabiscuit, experienced his comeback; and

Whereas, Today, there are six pari-mutuel race tracks in Michigan.  Harness tracks are located in Hazel Park, Northville, Swartz Creek, and Jackson. There is also a thoroughbred track in Muskegon and a mixed-breed track in Mt. Pleasant; and

Whereas, During 2006, Michigan horse race-tracks presented a combined 1,909 days of live and simulcast pari-mutuel racing that attracted over 1.1 million fans. Those fans wagered $281.2 million and generated over $9 million in state tax revenue; and

Whereas, Horse racing in Michigan is an essential component to our state’s agri-business, offering $1.2 billion and 26,200 jobs; and

Whereas, Horse racing in Michigan offers exciting entertainment and a thrilling experience; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 2007 as Michigan Horse Racing Month in the state of Michigan and look forward to many years of horse racing in Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of Racing Commissioner.