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.