SR-68, As Adopted by Senate, May 30, 2007

            Senator Van Woerkom offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 68.

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

            Whereas, Michigan’s horse racing industry is an important part of the state’s agricultural diversity; and

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

            Whereas, Michigan’s horse racing industry began at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit in 1933, with 31 days of thoroughbred racing and where Seabiscuit, the famous race horse, made his comeback; and 

            Whereas, Today, there are six pari-mutuel race tracks, including four harness tracks (Hazel Park, Northville, Swartz Creek, and Jackson), one thoroughbred track (Muskegon), and one mixed-breed racetrack (Mt. Pleasant); and

            Whereas, Live racing is offered in Michigan year-round with a rotating schedule at the tracks, and simulcast is offered at all six tracks all year; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we observe the month of June 2007 as Horse Racing Month in Michigan. It is our hope that Michiganders will continue to support and enjoy the sport of horse racing; and be it further

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