As the state budget process heats up in
the Legislature, a majority of legislators have signed a letter to the Chairs
of the Committee on Ways and Means requesting an additional $10 million for the
Department of Conservation and Recreation in the FY08 budget.
Sen. Edward Augustus, D-Worcester, and
Rep. Mike Rush, D-Brookline, circulated the letter, which was signed by 86 Representatives
and 23 Senators. The letter,
delivered to the Ways and Means chairs on Thursday, invokes Massachusetts
legacy of environmental leadership and highlights the toll that chronic
under-funding has taken on our state forests, parks and beaches as well as on
our legacy as a leader.
"One
of the greatest assets to the citizens of Massachusetts has been our forebears' long
term vision and foresight to plan a comprehensive state wide park system for
all future generations to enjoy. It is now our job to ensure that this vision
remains a reality", said Rep. Mike Rush, Chairman of the Legislative State
Parks Caucus.
“We
cannot continue starving these public treasures. Continued under-funding means fewer rangers,
more environmental damage, more trash on the trails, fewer educational programs
and less recreational opportunities,” said Jen Baker from Environment
Massachusetts, the new home of MASSPIRG’s environmental work. “We
applaud Senator Augustus and Representative Rush for leading the effort to
restore our forests, parks and beaches.
Thanks to their leadership, we are taking a crucial first step in
turning these ecological, economic and recreational treasures around.”
The
Massachusetts
state forests and parks system, the sixth largest in the country supports dozens of rare species, natural
communities and old growth and champion tree sites. Massachusetts parks and open space also contribute
significantly to the quality of life and economic prosperity of the Commonwealth
as recreational havens, outdoor classrooms, tourist attractions and magnets for
new businesses and new employees.
“The natural beauty of our
Commonwealth is what distinguishes each of our legislative districts, and
the parks and recreational facilities managed by DCR are a vital component
in every one of those districts," said Senator Augustus. "It's
time that we express our appreciation for the benefits that our parks
provide for our constituents by adequately funding these natural public
jewels.”
During the campaign,
Governor Patrick pledged to include an additional $10 million for our state
forests and parks. Unfortunately, he
failed to include these resources when he released his budget in February. Rep. Rush, Sen. Augustus, the Legislative
Parks Caucus, Environment Massachusetts, the Conservation and Recreation
Campaign and others are working to ensure that these additional resources are
delivered.
The Legislative Parks
Caucus was first convened by Rep. Rush in December of last year. At the first meeting, legislators voiced
support for clean, safe and accessible forests and parks and committed to reinvest
in our ecologically, recreationally and economically valuable parks. Increased funding for our state forests, parks
and beaches in the FY08 budget is a top priority of the Parks Caucus.
The House of Representatives is expected to release their budget
recommendations in mid-April.
