Texas Racing

[NTamm1215]

The "funding" the tracks are waiting on is money the Racing Commission hands over to the state then is returned to them when the calendar resets before September 1. This is money that the state has no claim to, and some members of the Legislative Budget Board are holding the TxRC hostage.

It started with the historical racing terminals and the Commission's attempt to put them in place with no involvement from legislators. Their intention was to handle it themselves because the wagering on a historical racing terminal is by nature pari-mutuel. The bible belt representatives, members of the Kickapoo tribe that operate a casino in Eagle Pass, and the organizers of various bingo games throughout the state had a fit. They went to their respective legislators and claimed that the machines are basically slot machines (I have never actually seen a historical racing terminal and quite honestly the idea of playing one is anathema to me).

So, in response, the legislators tied funding of the TxRC to a rider in the budget and more or less implied that they needed to back down from the historical racing or they would not be funded. The political support is for the tracks, it's just the Lt. Gov (who's a self righteous windbag) and one particular senator from the Dallas area who are causing issues. The rest of the members of the LBB have said that they do not feel like funding should be tied to anything regarding historical racing.

In the meantime, the brass at Sam Houston was handing out letters over the weekend saying they are not closing at year's end (like Gulf Greyhound Park, which is) and that even if there's no funding, the racetrack will continue to operate until the TX Dept of Public Safety physically comes in and shuts the doors.

It's just amazing.

[casp0555]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

The "funding" the tracks are waiting on is money the Racing Commission hands over to the state then is returned to them when the calendar resets before September 1. This is money that the state has no claim to, and some members of the Legislative Budget Board are holding the TxRC hostage.

It started with the historical racing terminals and the Commission's attempt to put them in place with no involvement from legislators. Their intention was to handle it themselves because the wagering on a historical racing terminal is by nature pari-mutuel. The bible belt representatives, members of the Kickapoo tribe that operate a casino in Eagle Pass, and the organizers of various bingo games throughout the state had a fit. They went to their respective legislators and claimed that the machines are basically slot machines (I have never actually seen a historical racing terminal and quite honestly the idea of playing one is anathema to me).

So, in response, the legislators tied funding of the TxRC to a rider in the budget and more or less implied that they needed to back down from the historical racing or they would not be funded. The political support is for the tracks, it's just the Lt. Gov (who's a self righteous windbag) and one particular senator from the Dallas area who are causing issues. The rest of the members of the LBB have said that they do not feel like funding should be tied to anything regarding historical racing.

In the meantime, the brass at Sam Houston was handing out letters over the weekend saying they are not closing at year's end (like Gulf Greyhound Park, which is) and that even if there's no funding, the racetrack will continue to operate until the TX Dept of Public Safety physically comes in and shuts the doors.

It's just amazing.

Just when I thought it couldn't get worse for Texas ddn't like him when he was a sports reporter or radio host....had him on auto channel change

[Kasept]

Texas racing shutdown avoided
Mary Rampellini , 2015-08-31 - DRF Live Posted : 22 mins ago

The Texas Racing Commission offices were awaiting word Monday for budget approval for administrative costs from the state's legislative budget board, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced before the close of business Monday that the commission will remain open through at least the first quarter of the 2016 fiscal year, which is Nov. 30, 2015.

There was a favorable vote to enable the commission to move funds to administrative cost areas, necessary operations for live and simulcast racing to continue as they are regulated by the commission offices.

"I fully support the proposal by senate members to allow the commission to use their existing appropriation dollars to continue covering administrative costs while racing board members adjust their focus from expansion of gaming to their statutory purpose of enforcing the Texas Racing Act and its rules to ensure the safety, integrity, and fairness of Texas pari-mutuel racing," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a release.

[Kasept]

Now a reversal..

Texas tracks directed to shut down Tuesday

Tracks in Texas received a letter from the Texas Racing Commission's general counsel after hours Monday informing them to cease operations at 12:01 a.m., on Tuesday, according to Jan Haynes, president of the Texas Thoroughbred Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

A representative from Sam Houston confirmed receipt of the letter and said there would be no simulcasting Tuesday at Sam Houston. The track is not currently racing live, but Thoroughbreds are in action at Retama Park.

The directive to cease operations is one that can be rescinded if budgeting is finalized prior to midnight, according to a representative of the commission.

[Arletta]

For those that want to give their support can call Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

512-463-0001



Video about the challenges to the racing industry in Texas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiO1...ature=youtu.be

[Kasept]

Texas racing officially shuts down, horsemen able to train
Mary Rampellini

Texas racing is officially shut down after a midnight deadline passed Monday without funding for the Texas Racing Commission's administrative costs in place, according to Jan Haynes, president of the Texas Thoroughbred Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

Haynes said she has talked to Retama Park officials and horsemen were able to train at the track Tuesday. Retama is in the midst of a meet for Thoroughbreds. Lone Star Park is nearing the start of its Quarter Horse meet Sept. 18, and horses on the grounds were able to train Tuesday, according to a track official. There is no current live meet at Sam Houston.

Haynes said she is encouraging horsemen to reach out to their representatives on Tuesday. She also has called on the National HBPA and said she would be contacting politicians in the cities that house tracks in Texas.

[Kasept]

Texas Racing Commission funding plan announced by Lt. Gov. Patrick

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday announced a plan for temporary administrative funding for the Texas Racing Commission for 90 days. The following is the statement released from his offices:

"I am very pleased to announce that House Appropriations Chairman John Otto has joined the Senate Legislative Budget Board (LBB) members' plan to extend temporary administrative funding for the Texas Racing Commission. This authorization immediately allows the commission to operate for the next 90 days.

"It also allows Governor Greg Abbott additional time to name members to the three expired terms of the Texas Racing Commission.

"Any disagreement with the commission that resulted in this stalemate was never about ending horse and dog racing in Texas. Instead, it was about making sure the appointed commissioners follow the law as directed by the legislature and a state district judge.

"I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Otto and Chairwoman Jane Nelson for working to resolve this issue today."