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Equine Group Opposed to Casino Gaming

Amber Stone Technology

The Board of Directors of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) met on December 2 and voted unanimously on the issue of casino gaming prior to the 2015 legislative session in Kentucky. 

Their resolution, in its entirety, is as follows:

“The Board of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) voted unanimously to not support legislation that would allow casino gaming in Kentucky. For the last several years, supporters of Kentucky’s signature horse industry have worked to expand gaming at racetracks in our Commonwealth in order to level the playing field with its competitors throughout the country. 

KEEP will remain active in any ongoing dialogue concerning these issues. Earlier this year, the Kentucky Supreme Court confirmed the legality of pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing which KEEP believes will have a significant economic impact. Therefore, there needs to be more time for all parties to measure and evaluate the effect that this new pari-mutuel wagering product will have on our horse industry.

KEEP appreciates the time and effort of the many elected officials who have worked for consensus on this issue, and who have displayed their determination to assist our signature industry. Their commitment to a healthy horse industry in the face of significant challenges from other states, and to the tens of thousands of families that rely on a strong equine economy, has been extremely gratifying. 

At this time, KEEP will continue to support historical horse racing while also focusing on legislation that will achieve sales tax equity with other sectors of the Kentucky agriculture industry and preserve a healthy Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund.  As always, KEEP will continue to support our industry at a grassroots level, while continuing its primary mission of educating Kentuckians and our elected officials about the importance of Kentucky's horse industry.”

Founded in 2004, KEEP is a coalition of  Kentucky horsemen, representing  all equine breeds and disciplines, designed  to improve the economics of the state’s signature horse industry.

Since its inception, KEEP has been the driving force for numerous horse industry accomplishments, including the creation of the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund (KBIF), the development of pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing, and a Grassroots outreach program which serves members in each of the 120 counties in Kentucky.

Story provided by Kentucky Equine Education Project 

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
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