One of Florida’s top firms to protect horsemen interests in Tallahassee
The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has hired Corcoran & Johnston Government Relations to represent the FHBPA’s interests during this year’s legislative session and throughout the year.
The FHBPA Board unanimously approved the hire on September 29, 2016, following the announced end of 2016 retirement of its previous lobbyist Herb Sheheane. President Bill White encouraged the move, noting that, “the 2017 Legislative Session will be active for gaming issues and we expect the Gaming Compact as well as decoupling to be front and center in these discussions.”
The FHBPA’s decision is a timely one as the industry braces for another round of efforts to decouple pari-mutuel operations from casinos. Decoupling threatens purses, racing dates and jobs statewide that are connected to the thoroughbred industry.
Corcoran’s duties in Tallahassee would include working on behalf of the FHBPA to consistently identify and inform FHBPA of bills of interest being filed, legislative priorities and policy solutions that are available. They will also disclose any discussions taking place among the Legislature and Executive Office around these items.
Any new proposals will need both professional and grassroots attention. Corcoran & Johnston has been recognized as one of Florida’s Top Lobbyists and has more than 60 years of combined legislative, executive and regulatory experience. The FHBPA is confident in its choice of representation.
The Florida State Legislature is scheduled to start on March 7 and adjourns on May 5.