HR0309 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0309 LRB096 12442 RLC 25399 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, One of the purposes of the correctional system is rehabilitation and to provide an inmate with skills to lead a lawful and productive life after release from incarceration; and

WHEREAS, The Vandalia Correctional Center has plenty of land and fencing suitable for the care of horses; and

WHEREAS, The grooming of thoroughbred horses is a skill that can be taught to inmates and can lead them to a productive life after prison; and

WHEREAS, The program to accomplish this purpose could be established at no cost to the taxpayers since the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association will provide all that's needed to care for the horses, including feed, hay, all equipment needed for the horses, retired thoroughbred horses, farriers, and veterinary care; and

WHEREAS, Similar programs have been established in 8 other states and the recidivism rate of those inmates participating in such programs is low; and

WHEREAS, An inmate can be trained to care for 2 or 3 horses for a 6 month period and receive a certificate that states that he completed the program and is qualified to work as a groomer on a horse farm or race track; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Department of Corrections to establish a thoroughbred horse groomer training program at the Vandalia Correctional Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director of Corrections.