Save Harness racing in Illinois

Take Action Now

Call and email your legislator TODAY to support the Illinois Harness Racing Industry

Legislators are only in session
from January 4th-January 7th.
Don’t wait!

The Illinois Harness Horseman’s Association needs your help to encourage the Illinois Legislature to pass critical legislation during the lame duck session January 4-7.

Please use the form on this page and the key messages below to email AND call your representative. Note that when you click the “call” button, you will receive a call from our advocacy system. When you answer, you will be connected with your legislator.

When you email, we encourage you to add a personal story about why a revitalized horseracing industry in Illinois is important to you. On the email form click “Click to customize” once. You will then be able to edit the default email and personalize it.

Not an Illinois citizen? Click here for a special opportunity for out-of-state supporters to help.

Use this message if someone answers the phone:

This legislation is critical to the future of Illinois horseracing and would immediately create opportunities for 2025. Let me share three key reasons why this bill is so important:

  1. Revitalize Illinois Horseracing and Jobs
    In 2019, Illinois authorized a new racetrack in southwest Cook County, but Hawthorne Racecourse hasn’t acted. This bill sets a firm deadline for action or allows others to step in. Additionally, it would enable a new racetrack in Decatur, creating thousands of jobs and keeping horsemen in Illinois instead of leaving for neighboring states.
  2. Generate New State and Local Revenue
    Together, these tracks would bring tens of millions of dollars annually in new state and local revenue. Hawthorne’s inaction has already cost Illinois over $100 million in lost gaming and economic development opportunities—this bill ensures we don’t lose more.
  3. Immediate Impact for 2025
    Passing this bill now ensures racing opportunities open in 2025. This is crucial not only for the industry but also for Illinois’ agri-business sector, which supports breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farmers, and many more.

This is a win-win for Illinois jobs and revenue. Can [Senator/Representative Name] commit to supporting this vital legislation during the lame-duck session? Your leadership could make a huge difference.

Use this message if you get an answering machine:

Hello, this is [Your Name], a constituent in your district and a [Your Role: horse trainer, driver, breeder, etc.].

I’m urging [Senator/Representative Name] to support the horseracing legislation in the upcoming lame-duck session.

In 2019, Illinois authorized a new racetrack in southwest Cook County, but Hawthorne Racecourse has failed to act and has blocked others from stepping in.

This has cost Illinois over $100 million in lost gaming revenue and economic opportunities.

This legislation would set a deadline for action in southwest Cook County and also allow the construction of a new racetrack in Decatur, bringing racing opportunities as soon as 2025.

Together, these tracks would create thousands of jobs, tens of millions in state and local revenue, and revitalize our horseracing industry.

Illinois cannot wait any longer to see these opportunities realized. Please vote yes on this vital economic development and jobs bill.

Thank you for your time and support!