Citizens working to preserve and enhance
the state park system for the benefit of the people of Texas and their guests.
Texans
for State Parks Will Meet April 11 at Bastrop State Park.
During legislative years, TfSP normally holds a late winter meeting to include information about legislation affecting
parks. This legislative session began a little more slowly with a new Speaker of the House and appointment
of new committees, but bills have now been filed that are very important to the future of Texas parks and things are moving
quickly.
Texans for State Parks President John Cobb said “I know everyone’s
spring is a busy time, and the Saturday meeting falls on Easter weekend, but we have been putting off having our meeting until
more information became available for a briefing regarding parks legislative issues. The time is short to discuss important
parks legislation so I hope you will make every effort to attend.”
The Saturday morning meeting will begin at 10:30 am and conclude by early afternoon.
We have asked Parks Director Walt Dabney and others from Parks & Wildlife to bring us the latest information on
issues of particular importance to parks funding, and for an update on the progress of the recovery efforts from Hurricane
Ike, as well as any other ‘big issues of the moment’.
Some important issues include:
· Approval
of P&W’s Legislative Appropriations Request (budget) for funding deemed necessary by Parks and Wildlife and
the State Parks Division, including the ‘Exceptional Items Request’ for items in addition to the base, or ‘regular
budget’. Some of those items of specific interest to parks are
o Fair Pay and Compensation to bring staff up to
levels of other state agencies and provide additional staff.
o Land Acquisition and Development of new park facilities
such as group shelters. Acquisition of critical inholdings and adjacent tracts could greatly enhance habitat
or improve recreation at some parks without significantly raising operational costs.
o
Development of facilities that will draw more customers will increase the positive economic
impact of parks.
·
The release of the bonds funds approved by voters for major projects, capital improvements, and
new acquisitions.
HB 12, passed unanimously in the House
and Senate during the 80th Legislative Session, confirmed the intent
for use of the sporting goods to provide funding for state and local parks (94%) and the Texas Historical Commission (6%).
Texans for State Parks continues to support the use of the sales tax on park-related activities
(sporting goods tax) as a means of funding state and local parks and historic sites in accordance with HB12
passed in the 80th Legislative session However,
SB 539 introduced
by Senator Estes would move directly to the General Land Office
20% of any funds appropriated to TPWD and the Texas Historical Commission
from the proceeds of the sporting goods sales tax. Represent
Ritter has filled a companion bill, HB3971, to the Estes bill. This legislation, if passed, would further
reduce funds available for state and local parks and historic sites.
TfSP strongly disagrees with the diversion of “Sporting Goods
Tax” funds to other agencies for programs that have little or no relationship to state,
local parks or historical sites. In no case should any exceptions to this position be considered until
all the needs of the TPWD Legislative Appropriations Request are met.
“I hope members
and park supporters will take some time to participate in this meeting on these and other issues so important to the future
of Texas Parks. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Bastrop State Park on April 11th.”
John
E. Cobb
President
Texans for State Parks
www.texansstateparks.org/
______________________________________________________________________________
Registration/lunch: $15
Please respond to Linda Evans, leevans@texas.net , 512.444.8079. with the number for lunch, or mail to Texans
for State Parks – P. O. Box 41480 -- Austin, TX 78704-0025
The continued efforts by all who care about Texas parks will help to ensure the “Crown
Jewels” of the state are available to Texans today and in the future!
www.Texansforstateparks.org
Texans for State Parks Board Members
John Cobb, President, Bastrop, TX, 512/332-0371, cobbfarm@airmail.net
Bob Armstrong, Vice President, Austin, TX, 512/413-6891,
landmanbob@aol.com
Ruth Jordan, Secretary, San Angelo, TX, 325/651-7346,
RuthJordan@suddenlink.net
Richard Solis, Treasurer, Canyon Lake, TX, 830/935-4011, Rsolis@GVTC.com
Scott Chase, Director, Dallas, TX 214/880.0404,
schase@airmail.net
Jan DeVault, Houston, TX, 281/793-9569, jdv3dge1@ix.netcom.com
Jamie McNally, Austin, Texas, 512/495-8827,
jfm@ctw.com
Evelyn L. Merz,
Houston, Texas, 713/644-8228,
elmerz@hal-pc.org
Beth McDonald, President, Emeritus, Austin, TX, 512/721-3321 BethMcDonald@austin.rr.com
Linda Evans, News & Administration,
Austin, TX 512/444-8079, leevans@texas.net
Don’t forget to send
e-mail or other address changes to leevans@texas.net so you will continue to receive news and information about the State Park System.
