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SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, both houses of the Legislature passed a package of bills containing changes to the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 state budget. AB 1XXXX includes budget changes for California's state park system. Below is a statement of the California State Parks Foundation on the Legislature's budget action.
Statement of Traci Verardo-Torres, CSPF Vice President of Government Affairs
"California's state park system escaped an immediate, almost-total dismantling that had been proposed just 8 weeks ago. Instead of 220 of the state's 279 state parks closing, a final budget gap of about $8 million will spare most parks, but will not avoid closures altogether. Combined with the $8 million cut, decreases in other special funds that support state parks and the continuation of furloughs for all park employees mean that the gap cannot be made up without serious impacts to park visitors.
Given the magnitude of the state's budget deficit, state parks fared as well as could be expected in these times. But this is the second year in a row that park closures were proposed, and will be a reality. Is there an unlucky third time on the horizon? California needs to ensure our state parks are open for business. The state gains enormous economic benefit from our state parks system – more than $4.2 billion in economic benefits are generated annually from park-related visitor spending in local economies. It is clear that our state parks need a stable, dedicated funding stream to keep them open for us all. The California State Parks Foundation will be working with park advocates, businesses, and representatives from local communities across to state to come up with such a solution. In these times, California cannot afford to close the doors to our treasured state parks."
About SOS
The Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign is a statewide, grassroots campaign to keep California's magnificent state parks open. In partnership with organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals around the state, the California State Parks Foundation is leading SOS Campaign activities and generating awareness and action about budget proposals that would result in unacceptable park closures. For more information visit www.savestateparks.org
About CSPF
With our 100,000 members, the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) is the only statewide independent nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California's magnificent state parks. CSPF is committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, and recreational and educational opportunities offered by California's 279 state parks—the largest state park system in the United States. For more information about California's state parks, visit www.calparks.org |
