Kentucky Equine Education Project responds to horse industry news
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) issued reactions to the news regarding H-2B visas and the appointment of the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Taxation Task Force.
The United States Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced that it will make available 22,000 H-2B visas for the 2021 fiscal year.
In response to this, KEEP said, “The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) applauds the announcement by the United States Departments of Labor and Homeland Security that they will release an additional 22,000 H-2B visas for FY 2021. For Kentucky’s racetracks and horse breeding operations, H-2B visas are a vital part of their workforce as Kentucky’s horse industry faces perpetual labor shortages.”
“However, these additional visas are not a substitute for a necessary overhaul of the H-2B visa program to meet the needs of our horse industry,” stated the equine economic advocate. “KEEP will continue to call on the United States Congress to address the vast shortages of H-2B visas in future immigration legislation.”
“In addition to advocating for smart and sensible immigration reforms to address the Kentucky horse industry’s labor shortages, KEEP has invested heavily in promoting career opportunities within the industry to Kentuckians in order to create a homegrown workforce. This partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center has already yielded industry-changing initiatives and KEEP will continue investing in this critical work,” the nonprofit shared.
Employer eligibility and other information about the additional H-2B visas can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Along with the visa news, KEEP also released their thoughts on the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Taxation Task Force’s appointment.
“The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) commends the appointment of the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Taxation Task Force, the first step in ensuring an equitable tax rate for historical horse racing (HHR) that will result in increased revenue for the state and promote continued growth for Kentucky’s nation-leading horse industry,” said the organization.
KEEP also stated, “During the legislative session when the preservation of HHR was discussed, Kentucky’s horse industry pledged to work with the legislature to assess the tax structure of HHR, how those funds are allocated, what the impact would be on the industry and Kentucky’s economy if the tax rates are changed, and determine if any changes should be made to the existing structure.”
“KEEP stands ready to work with the Task Force and be part of the conversation on HHR to ensure that entire horse industry – all breeds and disciplines – continues to see benefit from HHR through incentive funds and other state programs,” the advocacy group said. “Additionally, it is paramount that changes to the tax structure of HHR are not detrimental to the horse industry’s 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and its $6.5 billion impact on Kentucky’s economy. KEEP looks forward to working closely with the Task Force to accomplish these goals.”
Finally, KEEP shared the sentiment that it “extends its gratitude to Representative Matt Koch and Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo for their legislative efforts to establish this Task Force.”
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