Budget Conference Committee Votes on State Parks Funding.

06/15/09

Since the Governors’ proposal on May 28th to close 220 state parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has led the local effort to keep them open. Nearly 13,000 letters have been sent to our local legislators and today the Budget Conference Committee heard our voices. The committee voted 6 to 4 to eliminate General Fund support to the state parks, replacing it with a State Parks Access Pass, funded by a $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees.

“The public outpouring of support for our state parks has been heard by our legislators. The State Parks Access Pass adopted by the budget conferees is a long-term solution that would keep our parks open,” said Bonny Hawley, Executive Director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. “However, there’s a very long way to go before a final budget is adopted and anything can happen in the twists and turns of budget negotiations. We urge everyone to take action and contact their legislators in support of the State Parks Access Pass."