After two weeks of negotiations, the Wolf administration and the four legislative caucuses tonight (Friday, Nov. 6) reached an agreement in concept on how to fix a long-standing structural deficit in the State Racing Fund.
The deal reflects significant compromise on the part of all of the parties, as well as the other stakeholders, including horsemen and breeder organizations and racetrack operators.
In recognition of the agreement in concept, the administration said it is postponing any action on the suspension of racing for another week to allow the four chairs of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees to brief their members. Representatives of the five parties -- the administration and the four caucuses -- agreed to meet next week to continue finalizing details of the plan.
"This was not an easy process, but in the end, it's been a productive process,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Every discussion we have engaged in these last couple of weeks has been worth the effort. Everyone at the table recognizes the importance of racing to Pennsylvania's agriculture industry and the broader economy.
"I am grateful to all of the stakeholders – the horsemen's groups; the track operators; and especially, our partners in the General Assembly, particularly the four chairs of the agriculture committees, Senators Vogel and Schwank and Representatives Causer and Carroll – for continuing to come to the table each day, negotiating in good faith, and ultimately, helping us to arrive at this framework for a deal.
"We look forward to working with the General Assembly to continue moving Senate Bill 352, which Senator Vogel sponsored, through the legislature and to the Governor's desk."
(PA Department of Agriculture)