New Jersey State Senator Richard J. Codey, who also was the state’s 53rd Governor, has sponsored a special legislative commendation for the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) for reaching its 75th anniversary in 2022.
“This outstanding group of communicators has performed a
valuable service to the harness industry by promoting a centuries-old truly
American sport,” said Codey, a long-standing
supporter and sponsor of legislative initiatives helping horse racing.
“I have endeavored to help the horse racing industry continue to
thrive in our state. I am particularly proud that New Jersey is
considered the number one harness racing state in the nation,” said Codey, who
was honored by USHWA in 2005 with a special recognition award for his support
of racing.
Noting
that he had been a racing fan and went to see the races at Freehold Raceway and
The Meadowlands, Codey added that he became
interested in racing issues and responded to the
need for legislation when he was elected to the State Assembly
in 1973 and the Senate in 1981. He was the youngest person at age 26 when he
was elected. As Senate President in 2004, Codey ascended to the State’s highest
office when then Governor James McGreevey resigned before his term expired.
The
Joint Legislative Resolution, which is stamped with the official
gold seals of the Senate and General Assembly, recognizes the establishment of
USHWA on May 8, 1947, and growth over the group’s
“75 years of excellence”.
The
document also cites USHWA’s accomplishments in selecting recipients of “the
most prestigious awards in harness racing”, including inductees into the Living
Hall of Fame, writing, photography and broadcasting inductees into the Harness
Racing Communicators Hall of Fame, and Horses of the Year in all categories.
The Resolution also acknowledges that USHWA’s “meritorious endeavors in behalf of the honored pastime of harness racing represent the highest standards of sportsmanship.”
