State Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) today celebrated the advancement of his bill that supports county fairs and horse racing in Michigan.

House Bill 4347, sponsored by Kunse, proposes long-overdue updates to Michigan’s Horse Racing Law aimed at revitalizing horse racing, supporting county fairs, and strengthening the state’s equine breeding programs.

“I’m thrilled to see this bill take the next step,” said Kunse. “Horse racing has deep roots in Michigan agriculture, especially in our county fairs. These changes are a long time coming and will help bring new life and opportunity to a sport that means a lot to rural communities across our state.”

This bill would increase purses for standardbred harness races and strengthen financial incentives for Michigan-sired horses. The legislation also establishes dedicated funding to support both standardbred and thoroughbred programs, including new grants for fairs and awards for top-earning Michigan-sired horses.

“By modernizing outdated language and investing in the industry, we’re not just helping breeders and tracks,” said Kunse. “We’re supporting agricultural traditions, boosting local economies, and helping county fairs thrive. I look forward to continuing to push this across the finish line.”