LD 1203 is expected to hit the floor of the legislature either Tuesday or Wednesday for voting. We have received the following correspondence with some of the people doing the hard work in Augusta to get LD 1203 passed.

From Wendy Ireland, Executive Director, MHHA:

The Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association will be organizing a large presence in the hallways on the 3rd floor of the statehouse in Augusta on Tuesday. The legislature will be voting on LD 1203 on either Tuesday or Wednesday, so we are asking for everyone to be there by 9:00 am on Tuesday morning. Our numbers in the hallway will speak volumes to the legislators. Peter Connell, of Ocean Properties said, “I can’t underscore how important a large turnout will be to drive our point home.” A bus will be leaving Scarborough Downs at 7:30 am Tuesday if anyone needs a ride to Augusta. .

From Crystal Canney, Canney Commuications:

A slight adjustment of plans. The bus will no longer be on Tuesday but Wednesday. It will leave Scarborough Downs at 7:30 a.m. and travel to the statehouse and we expect it to leave Augusta at 1:30 in the afternoon to return to Scarborough.

Here's why - while the bill could run on Tuesday night, there is racing in Bangor and at other facilities that day. We are still encouraging people to come to Augusta on Tuesday to continue with the lobbying effort but recognize the horsemen's situation around racing. Meanwhile, we still need an effort on Wednesday either for the bill the day of and moving our efforts from the House into the Senate

If you intend to ride the bus please confirm with Susan Higgins either on Facebook or at her office number: 883-4331 x1002

BIG BIG DAY tomorrow ! PLEASE make every effort to be in Augusta Tuesday at 9:00AM to show the legislature OUR SUPPORT for the Biddeford & Calais Racinos ! Bring anyone you can find we NEED NUMBERS !! Your chance to help the industry and YOURSELF.