Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 1060 into law on April 13, aiming to strengthen West Virginia’s thoroughbred industry and support local agriculture. The legislation is designed to ensure the state’s racetracks remain top destinations for high-quality racing.
The bill is seen as important for retaining investment and jobs within the state. By increasing prizes for races, officials hope to encourage breeders and owners to keep their operations in West Virginia. “By increasing these prizes we’re telling our breeders and owners that you will be rewarded for investing in West Virginia,” Governor Morrisey said. “We want the winning, the jobs, and the investment to stay right here in our own backyard.”
Senate Bill 1060 updates state laws by including certified thoroughbred horses and raising the funding cap for restricted races at state tracks from $1 million to $2 million. Horses that have lived in West Virginia for at least six consecutive months are now eligible for larger purses, a move intended to attract out-of-state owners.
The new law also changes how revenue from interstate simulcasts is distributed so that more wagering funds go directly into the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund. This reinvestment aims to benefit local businesses tied to horse racing.
“When we put more money into the purses for our homegrown horses, we’re supporting the local feed stores, the vets, and the family farms,” Morrisey said. ”This is about making sure West Virginia remains the best place in the country to do business and raise a champion.”
Jim Justice has also played a role in supporting youth programs and engaging constituents through his office, according to the official website. Justice previously served as governor of West Virginia with an emphasis on economic growth according to his official site. He was elected as a U.S. senator from West Virginia according to his official website.
Justice holds both an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Marshall University according to his official website, where he also captained the golf team according to his official site. A lifelong resident of West Virginia, Justice draws on personal experience from living in-state during his senatorial role according to his official website.