American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2006

Congressman Ron Lewis Receives Rolapp Award

On Tuesday, April 4th at its annual Awards Luncheon held during AHC’s annual National Issues Forum, the American Horse Council presented the Rolapp Award to Congressman Ron Lewis of Kentucky

The Rolapp Award is named in honor of R. Richards Rolapp, president of the American Horse Council until 1993, when he passed away, and is presented to a Member of Congress who has been particularly supportive of the horse industry.

Congressman Lewis was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and serves on the important Ways and Means Committee. He has played a major role in shaping and passing the major tax bills of the last few years, including the increase of the Section 179 expense deduction for horses to $100,000 and bonus depreciation. Both changes helped the horse industry and the economy.

In the last Congress he was particularly important in passing the so-called alien withholding provision which will provide important opportunities to open up the international wagering market.

In this Congress, he is the principal House sponsor of the Equine Equity Act, which would (1) shorten the withholding period for horses to enjoy capital gains treatment, (2) put all race horses in the three-year category for depreciation purposes and (3) extend the eligibility of horse owners to benefit from federal emergency relief following disasters.

“Congressman Lewis understands and appreciates the importance of the $102 billion horse industry and the agri-business it supports,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council in presenting the award to Congressman Lewis. “The industry very much appreciates his long-standing support and hard work and we are very pleased to present him with the 2006 Rolapp Award.”

As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and investments. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.