(Edited press release)
As 2009 begins, three Maryland state legislators are joining forces to recognize a Maryland’s sports visionary who passed away earlier this year.
Sandy Rosenberg and Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton, chairman of the senate finance committee, have introduced joint House and Senate resolutions to honor the late national sportscaster, Thoroughbred horse breeder, and Maryland resident Jim McKay.
Rosenberg’s resolution is being co-sponsored by Sheila Hixson, chairman of the House ways and means committee. McKay passed away in June.
The resolutions, filed in both the House and Senate, urge the board of the Maryland Million to incorporate McKay’s name into the organization’s annual race of Maryland-sired horses. Called the “Maryland Million,” the race is held annually at Laurel Park and was founded McKay and his wife, Margaret McManus, 23 years ago.
“I cannot think of a better way to honor a person who took so much pride in his home state--Maryland,” said Rosenberg, who initiated the idea. “I grew up with Jim McKay and followed his career from a reporter at the Baltimore Sun to the voice of ABC’s Wide World of Sports. I am humbled to have the opportunity to recognize this great Marylander and his legacy.”
Middleton, who is also chairman of the senate finance committee that handles racing issues, pre-filed his bill, Senate Joint Resolution 2. The bill is expected to receive a hearing in the Senate committee Jan. 22.
“It’s a real testament to the idea of one special Marylander that 22 other states have created special racing days for state-bred or state-sired horses since the inception of the Maryland Million,” said Middleton.
The House resolution was filed yesterday. “It’s just our small way of saying ‘Thank you for what you did for Maryland,’” said Rosenberg.