SENATE SENIOR CITIZENS, VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1250

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 20, 1996

      The Senate Senior Citizens, Veterans' Affairs and Agriculture Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1250.

      This bill increases the number of members serving on the New Jersey Horse Racing Injury Compensation Board from six to seven. The additional member will be appointed by the Governor and shall represent jockeys regularly riding at New Jersey racetracks. In making the appointment, the Governor shall take into consideration the recommendations of the organization which represents the largest number of New Jersey jockeys (currently the Jockeys' Guild, Inc.). A similar board in New York State includes a jockey representative. In addition, since many jockeys began their careers as apprentices or exercise riders, the member appointed to represent jockeys would be able to understand and express the interests of other track employees.