As a citizen of the State of Maryland I declare my support for legislation that will fund aftercare programs for thoroughbreds that have been bred by and/or participated in the horse racing industry here in Maryland. Over 300 thoroughbreds annually exit Racing without any financial support for their care, retraining, and re-homing. When an estimated $50 million per year of slots revenue is being allocated to the Racing industry for purse money and awards to breeders, owners and trainers of horses racing in the state, it’s time to dedicate a very small percentage of that $50M+ to thoroughbred aftercare for the 20+ years of their lives after they exit racing. Horses are currently being used to help veterans, first responders, children and seniors through both physical and mental health therapy programs. The time has come to start funding opportunities like these for the horses used in the racing industry—in addition to helping the horses, it will help our communities and economy with new facilities, jobs and marketplaces. I also urge that the funds allocated for these programs have the oversight and management of an independent advisory board, separate from the active racing industry participants already benefiting from state slots money funding.