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Informational hearing on HF 4912 hears pleas to support Minnesota thoroughbred racing and debate over funding source
Summary
An informational hearing on House File 4912 heard testimony that the Minnesota thoroughbred racing industry faces financial pressure and that a $2 million annual appropriation from electronic pull‑tab tax revenue could support purses; members expressed concern about diverting funds from charitable gaming and asked for alternatives.
The committee held an informational hearing on House File 4912 on April 14, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Witty that would direct $2 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027 from revenue on electronic pull‑tab games to the Minnesota Racing Commission to supplement purses and provide breeder/owner incentives.
Sponsor and testifiers: Representative Witty said the measure seeks to help a racing industry that faces mounting financial pressure as other states expand gaming. Justin Reid, representing the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, told the committee that declining purse levels and competition from states that share gaming revenue with racetracks threaten the viability of Minnesota racing and associated livelihoods.
Sally Mixon, who identified herself as an exercise rider and chaplain at Canterbury Park, described the backstretch workforce and urged support: “It’s not a sport and it’s not a hobby. It’s our livelihood,” she told the committee, asking lawmakers to consider the human impacts if racing were to decline.
Randy Sampson, chairman and CEO of Canterbury Park, said the bill is not a permanent solution but would provide immediate support while longer‑term policy options (including sports betting and expanded wagering) are pursued. Sampson emphasized that Canterbury supports roughly 800 year‑round and 1,500 seasonal employees and that local feed, veterinary and agricultural suppliers rely on racing activity.
Member concerns: Several members expressed sympathy for workers and the agricultural supply chain but raised objections to the bill’s proposed funding source. Representative Sexton and other members said repurposing electronic pull‑tab tax revenue risks reducing dollars available to charities and community organizations that rely on charitable gaming; others asked for alternative funding approaches and more analysis before reassigning revenue streams.
Outcome: The hearing was informational only and no committee action was taken. Members asked staff and the sponsor to continue discussions and explore alternative funding sources and long‑term solutions for the industry.
Next steps: Sponsor and stakeholders agreed to continue conversations with committee members and to provide additional data for legislative consideration.
