Keith Walter, Robbinsville
As a resident of central New Jersey, I believe the equine industry is an invaluable economic asset of this state and a fundamental part of our cultural heritage.
Based on recent studies, 176,000 acres of farmland directly support horses and equine activities in New Jersey. This equine-related open space costs taxpayers nothing, while its activities actually generate an estimated $160 million annually in federal, state and local taxes. Without the equine industry, much of this acreage would be exposed to development.
The driving force of the equine industry is racing. As a result, I’m concerned about the misguided approach to managing the acknowledged problems of the racing industry. According to a study by the Rutgers Equine Science Center, if the racing industry fails we stand to lose $780 million in annual economic impact (direct and indirect spending), $115 million in tax revenue, 7,000 jobs and 56,000 acres of working agricultural landscape.
Ultimately, New Jersey’s racing industry must become self-sufficient to survive. A number of measures have been proposed to revive or sustain the industry, but their implementation will take time and an interim solution is necessary immediately.
In the past, Atlantic City casinos have contributed $30 million annually to the racing industry in exchange for a highly lucrative monopoly on slot machines in New Jersey. Politicians protecting Atlantic City’s interests incorrectly refer to this payment as a subsidy, inferring that taxpayers are the source of these funds. The state is now poised to eliminate this contribution, while upholding the monopoly.
In early February, Gov. Christie signed a law to aid Atlantic City’s struggling casino industry. This law also permits the state Racing Commission to provide as much as $30 million in purse supplements to the racing industry during the next three years. However, the bill gives the governor discretion as to whether the funds are utilized for this purpose. As in previous years, the money would come from the Atlantic City casino industry rather than taxpayers.
New Jersey residents must urge Gov. Christie to release the discretionary funds included in the recent Atlantic City revitalization bill from the Racing Commission and thus ensure the survival of our vital equine industry. We need to choose horses over houses.
Keith Walter
Robbinsville

