It has been reported that a pending bill in the West Virginia Legislature is calling for a reduction of Video Lottery Terminal proceeds which currently help fund horse racing in the state.
The news comes courtesy of a report by the Morning Journal which explains that the piece of legislation was introduced on January 24 by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin as a way to address an anticipated shortfall in the state budget.
"We've been bracing for this for years," Chester Mayor Ken Morris was quoted as saying. "We all knew some day that it was going to happen, but I never thought we'd get blindsided by our own governor."
The report has quoted Mountaineer Park Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association President John Baird as saying, "This just doesn't affect jobs, it affects families – families who work hard seven days a week to care for their animals. Despite how the media portray owners and trainers in the racing industry, we are not the wealthy individuals you see at the Kentucky Derby. We are farmers who take care of our animals and provide for our families."
(With files from the Morning Journal)