State Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) has advanced House Bill 4347, which aims to revitalize Michigan’s horse racing industry and support county fairs by updating the state’s Horse Racing Law. The bill proposes increasing purses for standardbred harness races, enhancing financial incentives for Michigan-sired horses, and establishing dedicated funding for both standardbred and thoroughbred programs, including grants for fairs and awards for top-earning horses.

Kunse emphasized that these changes will help preserve agricultural traditions, boost local economies, and strengthen equine breeding programs, particularly benefiting rural communities. By modernizing outdated regulations and investing in the industry, the legislation seeks to bring new life and opportunities to horse racing and county fairs across Michigan.