As a farmer in Virginia, I know the impact of having  strong, sustainable farming options.  While horses do not contribute to the food chain, the racing of horses contributes to the economic status of the Commonwealth.  Historically, horse racing will mean thousands of new jobs, tens of millions in state and local tax revenue and millions more in economic development statewide, if fully implemented. We need the current regulations expanded to allow for historical horse racing at full capacity. 

I support the Virginia Racing Commission to work with the horse industry to put in place regulations that truly allow horse racing to succeed, so that the entire Commonwealth can benefit. When horse racing thrives again, the better companies and industries tied to it will thrive as well- from contractors working on facilities to feed companies supplying farms, etc. More people coming to Virginia to watch horse races at Colonial Downs, the more people stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and visit other areas of the state and historical sites.