House Republican Press Release

December 17, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

STATEWIDE EQUINE ORGANIZATION HONORS REP. HOVEY

The Connecticut Horse Council has named State Representative DebraLee Hovey, R-Monroe, its 2007 Legislator of the Year. The award was made during a ceremony in Newington, CT on December 4.

In June, Governor M. Jodi Rell signed legislation into law introduced by Rep.Hovey that established an Equine Advisory Council to help the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) study state horse trail preservation. That legislation evolved from a bill Rep. Hovey introduced early in this year’s legislative session to preserve 25 horse trails in Connecticut.  During a March 9, 2007 public hearing, representatives of several organizations testified in support of the need to preserve equine trails in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Horse Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all aspects of the horse industry in Connecticut. It is an affiliate of the American Horse Council, whose primary concern is to oversee federal legislation that affects the horse industry.

“Representative Hovey has been a strong advocate and champion for protecting agriculture and farmland and has been a tireless protector of horse trails in Connecticut,” said council President Amy Stegall. “We are very appreciative of her efforts.”

“I am honored to receive this award, especially since this legislation was based on a passion for protecting our lifestyle and rural character and preserving them for our children,” said Rep. Hovey.