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Maryland Tracks Oppose Slot Proposal12 March 2003MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s newest proposal for slots at Maryland racetracks came under attack from some of his longest-standing allies yesterday as the state's horsemen threatened to oppose the bill unless the share allocated to purses is increased. "Wayne Wright, executive secretary of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, said the $27 million Ehrlich's plan would provide to sweeten the prizes for winning thoroughbreds is `woefully inadequate.' "Wright said the horsemen's group, which represents owners and trainers, is seeking about $70 million. "…The horsemen have the prospect of some relief from the Senate, where President Thomas V. Mike Miller said yesterday that a work group headed by Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer will craft what amounts to an alternate bill. Miller said the Senate will earmark more for education, localities and purses than Ehrlich's new plan and will cut the share allotted to racetrack owners. The Senate plans to offset that cut by eliminating the $120 million in up-front licensing fees from owners that Ehrlich is counting on to help balance next year's budget. "…The horsemen's association has had a long and friendly relationship with Ehrlich - who represented a wide swath of Baltimore County horse country as a delegate. When the governor proposed a 5.8 percent share for purses in the original bill, they criticized the bill, but did not openly oppose it. "…The horsemen's opposition would be pivotal because one of Ehrlich's chief arguments is that slots would `save' the racing industry. Wright said yesterday that the new Ehrlich proposal would do no such thing…" |