HR0309 LRB096 12442 RLC 25399 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, One of the purposes of the correctional system is
3 rehabilitation and to provide an inmate with skills to lead a
4 lawful and productive life after release from incarceration;
5 and
 
6     WHEREAS, The Vandalia Correctional Center has plenty of
7 land and fencing suitable for the care of horses; and
 
8     WHEREAS, The grooming of thoroughbred horses is a skill
9 that can be taught to inmates and can lead them to a productive
10 life after prison; and
 
11     WHEREAS, The program to accomplish this purpose could be
12 established at no cost to the taxpayers since the Thoroughbred
13 Retirement Foundation and the Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent
14 and Protective Association will provide all that's needed to
15 care for the horses, including feed, hay, all equipment needed
16 for the horses, retired thoroughbred horses, farriers, and
17 veterinary care; and
 
18     WHEREAS, Similar programs have been established in 8 other
19 states and the recidivism rate of those inmates participating
20 in such programs is low; and
 

 

 

HR0309 - 2 - LRB096 12442 RLC 25399 r

1     WHEREAS, An inmate can be trained to care for 2 or 3 horses
2 for a 6 month period and receive a certificate that states that
3 he completed the program and is qualified to work as a groomer
4 on a horse farm or race track; therefore, be it
 
5     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
6 NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
7 urge the Department of Corrections to establish a thoroughbred
8 horse groomer training program at the Vandalia Correctional
9 Center; and be it further
 
10     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
11 forwarded to the Director of Corrections.