NEHBPA Update November 2018
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has approved a request from the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Sterling Suffolk Racecourse for its final year of racing in 2019.
NEHBPA President Anthony Spadea, Jr. told Bloodhorse that horsemen were excited for the opportunity to race and to showcase Massachusetts-breds. “The extension of the meet also provides additional income to so many hard-working and deserving people who make their living in our industry,” said Anthony.
We have heard from Joseph F. Wagner, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, who said he expects the Legislature to quickly take up consideration of legislation dealing with sports betting and other racing-related legislation late in 2018. The NEHBPA believes that sports betting will help stimulate investor interest in developing a new racing facility in Massachusetts and lead to fulltime racing. The NEHBPA has been in conversations with potential developers on a facility that would accommodate racing. Board Members of the NEHBPA will be actively meeting with members of the MGC and State House on resolutions to restore FULL time racing Members of the NEHBPA will be attending various meetings, over the next 2 months with key individuals to discuss how we bring back full time racing to the commonwealth
Reminder Horsemen Benefits and Benevolence Programs
As a reminder to our NEHPBA which administers a benevolent fund for Trainers who are eligible by their years of service to the industry and/or by their age, offers some of the following benefits which include, Eyeglasses, Health Coverage, Old Age Assistance, Death Benefits, MedEx, Benevolence and Scholarship Assistance. The NEHBPA is the only thoroughbred horsemen’s organization in Massachusetts with the funding and authority to offer benefits and a benevolence package to horsemen.
“Our mission as the NEHBPA is to take care of our own,” said Anthony Spadea, President of the NEHBPA. “With the financial support of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the foresight of the Massachusetts Legislature, we have been able to support the hardworking men and women who make this industry run, even when it has been difficult for them and their families.”
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which has counted among its multi-prong mission providing direct financial support to restore thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts, has supported the HBPA benevolent program with direct funding and has monitored those programs to assure that those funds were being spent to support horsemen and their families.
- Some example of benefits;
- Old Age Assistance $250 monthly benefit.
- MEDEX Supplement Program $200 monthly benefit
- Health Insurance Plans – Covers 70% of the cost
- Eyeglass Plan to $200 per year to each eligible participant
- Life Insurance up to $10,000. Premiums based on age, including spouse and racing status
The NEHBPA Board of Directors encourages all Trainers to contact the NEHBPA office to apply for any of the benefit plans for which you may be eligible.
NEHBPA Will Hold Board Elections by 2019
As the horse racing industry in Massachusetts makes a turn into 2019, the NEHBPA has announced it will hold board elections sometime in 2019. Date TBD
Also, at this time there is a vacant Trainer’s seat on the board that is available. If anyone is interested and wants to be nominated, please contact the office. Per our Bylaws the board will review ALL nominee’s and vote by majority to fill the vacancy.