Are you worried about the lack of jobs for Georgians? Do you appreciate the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in our rural counties?
There's a new bill in the State House that could make an important difference. HR1177 is the first step in bringing horse racing to Georgia.
Experts say that seven jobs are created for every racing horse - that could mean nearly 20,000 jobs for Georgians! Some of the jobs are obvious - trainers, jockeys, grooms. But think of all the collateral jobs that will be created in accounting, advertising and marketing, hospitality and construction, for example, plus all the new horse farms that will be established - supporting current landowners, barn and fence builders, veterinarians and farriers.
Morgan County, where I live, is particularly well-positioned to gain from the horse-farm expansion. Agriculture is our #2 industry, and horses are an important part of that economy - we are number three in the state for horses, per the Farm Gate report
HR1177 will allow Georgians to vote this fall to amend our constitution to allow pari-mutuel betting and horse racing. It's the first step, and an important effort towards our long road to economic recovery. The bill has bi-partisan support - but the bill may die unless it is passed out of committee soon. HR1177 has been assigned to the Judiciary Non-Civil subcommittee, chaired by Republican Rich Golick from Cobb County. This committee does not generally deal with issues of job creation, regulated industries, or agriculture - so they need to hear from citizens who understand just how important this bill is.
Please contact your legislators and ask them to throw their full support behind this bill. To find out how to contact your state legislator - follow the link below and look on the right hand side.
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/state/main/?state=GA&view=myofficials#0
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