The House Committee on School Finance passed a 300-page bill out of committee on Saturday, May 1. The bill does include a provision to allow video lottery terminals at Texas racetracks. The full House of Representatives is expected to vote on the measure as early as Tuesday, May 4.

All horsemen need to come to Austin and meet with your representative before he or she votes on this important legislation. The Texas Horsemen's Partnership is prepared to charter buses from Lone Star Park, Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park to provide transportation for horsemen if necessary. If you are willing to come and need transportation to the capitol, please call the Texas Horsemen's Partnership office and speak with Wanda O'Banan as soon as possible.

The bill currently contains language that is not satisfactory to the industry; however, there are ample opportunities to amend the problems unless the House fails to pass the legislation. The industry is still united and working diligently to pass a bill that works for all parties.

"We are at a critical stage in the game," stated Tommy J. Azopardi, Executive Director of the Texas Horsemen's Partnership, LLP. "We need every horseman in the state to come to Austin and communicate our message," he continued. "There are still plenty of hurdles to clear, but this is like the playoffs - if we fail at any step in process now, we will be eliminated from the session."

Don't assume that someone else will make the trip and that you don't have to. Everyone has the responsibility to carry the ball. If you have questions or need other information, please call the Texas Horsemen's Partnership office at (512) 467-9799.