Fighting to fund toxics reduction
One of Massachusetts’ most important weapons in the fight against toxic threats to our health is on the chopping block, as the state Legislature cut its funding in a tough fiscal year.
Scientists at UMASS-Lowell’s Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) are charged with a critical mission. They study the most harmful chemicals used in our homes and businesses, discover safe and cost-effective alternatives to those toxic chemicals, and help businesses make the transition to cleaner and safer alternatives.
Doing well by doing good
Founded in 1989, TURI is a rare breed. In addition to providing a tangible service to Massachusetts businesses, improving our environment, and protecting our health, it is also one of the few government programs that actually adds money to the state coffers.
The fees TURI charges businesses for their technical assistance actually generate significantly more revenue for the state than it costs to run the program. In addition, reducing toxic chemical
exposure means fewer people will get sick, reducing our long-term health-care costs.
Cutting funding for TURI to make this year’s budget look better is like a trucker selling his rig to make his mortgage payment—it solves a short-term problem, but makes things much worse down the road.
If TURI is forced to close down due to lack of funding, there could be no more fee revenue coming to the state in the future. In addition, businesses in Massachusetts that are looking to reduce their use of toxic chemicals will not have the support they need to make that transition, which means more health problems for Bay Staters and higher health-care costs for the state in the decades to come.
Fighting for a last-minute reprieve
Environmental organizations, public health groups, faith communities, unions and businesses have joined together to call for this error to be corrected and TURI’s funding restored. Environment Massachusetts is working with a committed team of scientists, public health advocates and labor groups to make sure that TURI is able to continue its valuable work in the future.
Our coalition has secured meaningful promises from the governor to include funding for TURI in his budget. Early in 2010, Environment Massachusetts will be making our case to the state Legislature. Businesses across the Commonwealth have benefitted from TURI assistance, and local legislators need to hear stories from their communities about the economic and environmental benefits of the program.
We look forward to working with TURI, businesses and state leaders to demonstrate the value of the TURI program and ensure secure and stable funding for future years.
To find out more about how TURI is impacting your community, call Ben Wright at (617) 747-4313.
