Park System Budget
I hope that you each had great holidays and will each have a wonderful 2009!
As usual, the beginning of the new year is heralded by the beginning of the General Assembly session. And, given the economic situation, we need to focus even more than usual on the Park System budget as it makes its way through the legislative process.
In that regard, let me quickly set the stage for you. The Governor's budget imposes Park System cuts of $2.1 million for FY-09 and $2.1 million for FY-10.
While the Park System did not have to lay people off, 5 full time vacant positions were eliminated, 25 additional full time positions will be held vacant, and the equivalent of nearly 60 part-time and seasonal workers was cut.
Further, 7 of 9 new visitor centers built with General Obligation Bond money will not be opened due to lack of funding for exhibits, furniture, staffing, and utilities.
Additional information about the budget situation is provided in the two documents attached to this message. Please share these documents freely and encourage others to join you in using the information to educate your delegate and senator about the Park System's budget situation.
Notwithstanding the dire economic situation the Commonwealth faces, VAFP has succeeded in securing two legislative budget amendments. In the House, Delegate Kirk Cox has patroned HB1600 Item 362 #1h which would restore the 5 full time positions eliminated by the Governor's budget. In the Senate, Senator Emmett Hanger has patroned SB 850 Item 364.05 #2s which would restore about one-half of the dollar cut imposed by the Governor's budget.
As in previous years, I'll keep you apprised with periodic updates as the Assembly session unfolds, let you know when critical votes are scheduled, and give you the contact information for the Committee/Subcommittee members who need to hear from the park system constituency (you) in advance of those votes.
Beginning now, it's both appropriate and essential for you to begin educating your elected representatives on the Park System's funding needs. In your contacts, please mention the house and senate budget items cited above.
Don't forget to include your name on emails and phone messages. Please feel free to add "Virginia Association for Parks Member" to your identifying information; there is strength in our numbers.
Given the economic reality we( each ) and the Commonwealth (overall) face, I suggest that you include a recognition of that reality in your discussions, emails, phone calls, etc. with your elected representatives and, as we progress into the session, the budget conferees.
With that caveat as a part of your message, I think it's then fair to ask the legislature to more adequately support the most frugally funded state park system in the nation, presently ranking dead last in terms of per capita spending on state parks -- especially given the gigantic annual economic impact the System generates for state and local economies.
2009 Rebenchmarking History and Status
2009 State Park System Funding Point Sheet
