Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the future of Illinois harness racing. The January lame-duck session has just concluded, and we want to share an update and outline the path forward.

What Happened in Lame-Duck?

1. No Vote Was Taken on Our Legislation: There was no vote on our proposed legislation during the lame-duck session. As a result, there is no record of legislators voting for or against our bill. The session was largely consumed by internal caucus issues, which meant very few legislative actions took place across the board. For example, even Governor Pritzker’s priority, the Hemp Bill, was not called for a vote.

   2. Progress Behind the Scenes: Although our bill did not move forward during this session, we made significant progress in          laying the groundwork for spring. We met with legislators and leadership to better understand the hurdles we need to              address and received positive feedback on the importance of our efforts.

  3. Grassroots Success: Legislators shared that they received calls from many of you, their constituents. These efforts were          acknowledged and appreciated, reinforcing the value of our grassroots strategy.

Next Steps: Spring Legislative Session

This spring, we must double down on our efforts to ensure the passage of our legislation, which is vital for the future of Illinois harness racing. This bill will create jobs, generate significant revenue for the state, and remove longstanding barriers to industry growth.

How You Can Help

·   Spread the Word: Engage your network—veterinarians, feed stores, farriers, and others—to support this legislation. Friends and family can also help by reaching out to their legislators.

·   Become a Grassroots Leader: We need leaders in every district to help organize outreach efforts. Let us know if you are willing to take on this important role.

The Stakes Are High

The spring session is our best opportunity to secure the future of Illinois harness racing. Together, we can pass legislation that:

·   Removes the barriers blocking new a new Chicagoland racetrack

·   Allows for the development of a new racetrack in Macon County.

Let’s work together to make 2025 the year of change for Illinois harness racing. If you have any questions or are ready to lead, please reach out.

Sincerely,

Jeff Davis

President, Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association

jeffihha@gmail.com