Hey Neighbor,
You may have heard about HB 887, recently introduced in Annapolis, which would reallocate local VLT grant funding to the races at Fair Hill. I want to share more information so you can stay informed. The bill is being heard today in the Ways and Means Committee.
This bill would require $200,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 from Cecil County’s VLT (Video Lottery Terminal) grant funding to be redirected by state law to race purses at Fair Hill, totaling $600,000 over three years.
The VLT grant comes from the Perryville casino and is intended to support the communities most impacted by it. Historically, these funds have supported infrastructure, public safety, local ministries, nonprofits, and county and municipal services.
Under this bill, the total funding does not change, but approximately $70,000 would no longer flow to the Town of Perryville and $130,000 would no longer remain available through the County’s local allocation process.
Instead, the money would be earmarked specifically for race purses. Fair Hill already receives $100,000 annually from a separate purse account, so total annual purse funding tied to Fair Hill would increase to $300,000 per year for the next three years.
This legislation was introduced without prior consultation with Cecil County Government or the Town of Perryville. Today, both are traveling to Annapolis to testify in opposition.
Many local nonprofits, ministries, and public safety partners have expanded services because of VLT grant funding. A $200,000 annual shift represents a meaningful portion of dollars that have traditionally stayed local and been directed by local leadership.
This raises an important question:
Should Annapolis determine how Cecil County’s VLT grant funds are spent, or should those decisions remain with the County and Perryville, where leaders work closest to the communities impacted?
I believe decisions like this are strongest when they start locally, with conversation, collaboration, and respect for the neighbors and organizations doing the work on the ground. We can support Fair Hill and also ensure local voices are heard.
Together for Cecil County,
Erica Berge