Talking Points on Budget Cuts

Talking Points on Budget Cuts

2017 CALL TO ACTION

Talking Points on Budget Cuts

MESSAGE: IOPPOSE BUDGET CUTS IMPACTING OPEN SPACE, STATE PARKS, THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH

1) I oppose additional cuts to DEEP's Budget

Already operating on a bare-boned budget with minimal staff, DEEP is once again facing cuts that will impact programs that protect our air, water, and public lands, including those needed for the operation and maintenance of state parks and campgrounds. Revenue generating solutions should be considered to help avoid at least some of these cuts.

  • Cumulative annual cuts to DEEP’s budget have severely compromised the agency’s ability to implement core programs and undertake key functions, including protection of the state’s quality of clean air, water, wildlife, and recreational resources.
  • The proposed budget proposes the elimination of an additional 24 full-time positions. Budget cuts in previous years have significantly reduced staffing for DEEP’s environmental and conservation programs including a 20% reduction in staff over the last 10 years.

2)I strongly oppose the elimination of theCouncil on Environmental Quality (CEQ)

Once again on the chopping block, the Budget proposes ZERO funding for the CEQ andthe budget implementer billELIMINATES all references to CEQ in the Connecticut General Statutes.

  • Created in 1971, CEQ is the state’s independent watch-dog agency that the public relies upon to, inter alia, monitor environmental progress, assess the efficacy of state environmental laws, policies and programs, and investigate alleged violations of environmental laws.
  • Acting through its volunteer council and just two staff, with limited support from DEEP for administrative purposes only, CEQ provides the public with these services efficiently, effectively and at minimal cost ($174,000) to the state.
  • CEQ Services include The Environmental Monitor (project information for the public under CEPA and for notices of proposed transfers of land), Annual Reports on Environmental Quality, Special Reports (most recently, “Energy Sprawl in Connecticut” …), monthly meetings and an opportunity for citizens to lodge complaints and otherwise voice concerns.

3) I oppose cuts to funding for State Parks and ask that the budget include new proposals to generate addition revenues that would offset the budget cuts and avoid closures.

  • State Parks (like all DEEP programs) are chronically underfunded and have been subjected to successive annual budget cuts.
  • The Budget proposal which continues this year’s cuts to the State Park’s budget into FY 2018 and 2019 means:
  • A reduction in the seasonal workforce by 45%,
  • Closure of three campgrounds
  • Reduced hours and services for the public at various State Park and Forest facilities
  • Vacancies as State Park and other environmental program staff retire or leave the agency will not be filled. (Note: over 35 vacancies this year that were not filled, and DEEP has lost over 200 positions over the past 10 years)
  • I support proposals to generate additional revenues that would offset the anticipated budget cuts and avoid closures: Example: “Passport for the Parks” is a proposal which would both generate an estimated $14.3 million dollars/year from a $10 charge on DMV registration for motor vehicles (paid every other year), and would enable all vehicles with Connecticut license plates to enter State Parks for free. General Assembly will allow the creation of NEW sources of revenue to support the State Parks. (Other examples areHERE)
  • A description of why your favorite State Park or Forest is important to you.
  • A reminder that State Parks are worthwhile investments and economic drivers – providing over $1 billion in revenues each year and supporting over 9,000 jobs.
  • ClickHEREto view detailed talking points compiled by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA).

2017 CALL TO ACTION

Talking Points on Protection of the Community Investment Act

MESSAGE: ISUPPORT THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ACT

The good news! The Governor’s budget does not call for an extension of the 50% cut in CIA over the course of the next biennial budget which begins on July 1st. Under this proposal CIA dollars would be fully restored on July 1st.

Caveat! Of course, this is just the beginning of the biennial budget process. Over the next four months, the Appropriations and Finance Committees and legislative leaders will begin the process of crafting a budget that will require the support of both chambers and Governor Malloy. We must continue our work to protect the CIA. Please continue to share your community's CIA success stories with your legislators.

TALKING POINTS

  • The CIA is a Dedicated Fund:The CIA was established as a DEDICATED REVENUE SOURCE OUTSIDE OF THE BUDGET to provide consistent funding for reinvestment into our communities for open space, farmland/dairy support, historic properties, and affordable housing programs.
  • The CIA Benefits all Communities:Funded through a $40 surcharge on local recording fees, the CIA has invested over$153 million for 1,400 projects across all four sectors in 168 Connecticut towns-- and the numbers continue to increase!
  • The CIA is Critical to Land Conservation:The CIA is the only consistent source of funding for theOpen Space & Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program(OSWA). The continued cuts to CIA funds means less money available for the current grant round (applications submitted as of February 2) and future rounds of the OSWA program.
  • The CIA is an Economic Driver:CIA investments boost local and state economies (projects have contributed to the viability of the $873 million outdoor recreation industry and the $3.5 billion agricultural industry).
  • The CIA Leverages $$$:CIA investments leverage millions of matching funds.
  • The CIA = Jobs! CIA projects have created over 3,000 jobs in affordable housing and historic preservation, and over 28,000 jobs in the agricultural industry.
  • CIA PROTECTS NATURAL RESOURCES! DESCRIBE YOUR TOWN'S CIA SUCCESS STORY. View a Town-by-Town list of projectsHERE.
  • Visit theCIA websitefor more information.

2017 CALL TO ACTION

Talking Points on Constitutional Amendment to Better Protect Our Public Lands

MESSAGE: ISUPPORT A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO BETTER PROTECT OUR PUBLIC LANDS

Senate Joint Resolution 39, “Resolution Approving an Amendment to the State Constitution to Protect Real Property Held or Controlled by the State.” (S.J. 39) would help ensure that public lands are not given away, sold, or traded without adequate public input.

BACKGROUND: Last year the General Assembly passed a resolution that would place a referendum question on the ballot to amend the state constitution to better protect your public lands (state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, state-owned agricultural lands, etc.). This resolution has to be passed a second time by the General Assembly to make it on the ballot in 2018.

Please ask your State Representative and Senator to sign-on as a co-sponsor of S.J. 39

TALKING POINTS:

  • Passage of S.J.39 would provide the public with the opportunity to vote at the ballot box in 2018 on whether to amend the state constitution to better protect public lands.
  • State Parks and other public lands are important to our quality of life and strong economy. They protect our air and water, provide important wildlife habitat and offer us affordable places to visit and recreate.
  • Add your own personal message about why a certain State Park/Forest/Wildlife Management Area is special to you and your community.
  • State Parks and other public lands are investments worth protecting, attracting 8-9 million visitors/year, generating over $1 billion in revenues and supporting over 9,000 private sector jobs per year.
  • Other states, including Maine, Massachusetts and New York have constitutional protections for their public lands. Please allow us to vote on whether to do the same in Connecticut.

Additional information and talking points may be found in a Frequently Asked Question paper and aone-pagerprepared by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

2017 CALL TO ACTION

Talking Points on Project Green Space

Message: I support HB6926 which would enable a Local Option to Fund Acquisition and Stewardship of Open Space

HB 6926, allows (BUT DOES NOT REQUIRE) towns and cities to establish their own source of funding to acquire, preserve and protect open space at the municipal level by adopting a local option to impose a conveyance fee of up to 1% on the purchase of residential real estate.

TALKING POINTS:

  • Most cities and towns across Connecticut do not have a permanent reliable resource to use in their land conservation efforts.
  • These bills would enable, BUT NOT REQUIRE, communities to establish their own source of funding by adopting a local option to impose a conveyance fee of up to 1% on the purchase of residential real estate.
  • These funds could be used to steward land currently protected by a local community or to acquire new parcels of open space throughout Connecticut.
  • These funds could be used to match available state and federal grants and to leverage additional funds for open space.
  • Since the funds are collected and expended locally, there is no adverse fiscal impact on the state budget.
  • Describe why land conservation is important to preserving the character of your community and how having local funds will help advance your town’s conservation efforts.
Top View