Three Senate bills that could benefit the Texas racing industry have been referred to the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Committee for consideration.

We are excited to report that Senate bills 1971, 1972, and 1973 have been referred to the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Committee for consideration.

• SB #1971 (Co-authored by Sen. Dawn Buckingham (R)) - Would create a purse matching fund from the state's general revenue fund that is expected to increase purses by $25 million. Committee substitute language is expected to clarify specifics.
• SB #1972 - Would shift Accredited Texas-Bred funds from the Texas Racing Commission's budget and establish an escrow account for the money.
• SB #1973 - Would utilize existing state tax revenue on simulcast wagers that currently goes to the Texas general revenue fund to help pay the costs of operating the Texas Racing Commission. Presently, all of the costs of operating the Commission are borne by the racing industry through track and occupational license fees.

  Now is the time for you to write each of the members of the committee asking for their support of the bills, and sample text is below:

  Dear Senator,

  I respectfully ask for your support of Senate Bills 1971 (by Kolkhorst and Buckingham), 1972 (by Kolkhorst), and 1973 (by Kolkhorst) that have been referred to the Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Committee.

  I believe the proposed legislation will greatly benefit the Texas horse industry. It is exciting and gratifying to see leadership providing meaningful economic support for the Texas horse industry. We genuinely appreciate this opportunity to educate members about the struggles the Texas horse industry faces and the need for solutions that will facilitate positive change.

  Please let us know how we can be of assistance to you as these bills advance through the legislative process.

  With Appreciation,

  Following is contact information for the members of the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Committee:

  • Chairman Charles Perry: charles.perry@senate.texas.gov
  • Vice Chair Jose Rodriguez: jose.rodriguez@senate.texas.gov
  • Senator Brandon Creighton: brandon.creighton@senate.texas.gov
  • Senator Bob Hall: bob.hall@senate.texas.gov
  • Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa: juan.hinojosa@senate.texas.gov
  • Senator Lois Kokhorst: lois.kolkhorst@senate.texas.gov
  • Senator Borris Miles: borris.miles@senate.texas.gov

    Letters can also be mailed to each Senator's attention at the following address:
    Texas Senate
    PO Box 12068
    Austin, TX 78711

    It is important for each of the members of the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs Committee to hear from as many horsemen and women as possible that we appreciate their consideration and are asking for their support of Senate Bills 1971, 1972, and 1973. Please take just a few minutes to write and send your letters today.

    We will continue to keep you informed about the progress of the bills. We appreciate your participation us as we try to secure a better future for the Texas racing industry.