Recently in Politics Category
(from Rob Grant) Dear Members of the CRT Council of Advisors:
The Recreational Trails Program is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation known as MAP-21 that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of its dedicated funding.
But all hope is not lost.
CRT and its member organizations have been working to identify key Champions in the Senate with the aim of having an amendment to restore dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered by the full Senate.
Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help.
Now is the time for all organizations and individuals who support RTP to tell their Senators to protect dedicated funding for this absolutely essential program.
The key messages are simple:
· Unless the bill is changed, MAP-21 will effectively eliminate the Recreational Trails Program; and
· Please amend MAP-21 to include dedicated funding for RTP.
Other helpful messages include:
· For the last two decades, RTP has received a portion of the gas taxes paid by users of off-highway motorized vehicles to fund trail building, maintenance and other trail-related projects. More than 13,000 projects have been funded across the country for all kinds of trail uses. This is a very successful program.
· At its current level of annual funding - $85 million - RTP receives less than 42% of the Federal Highway Administration's conservative estimate of the federal gas taxes paid by America's nonhighway recreationists. The Senate bill would reduce that percentage to zero and represents a substantial new tax on motorized recreation enthusiasts.
· The return of gas taxes to trail users through the RTP is in keeping with the user-pay, user-benefit philosophy of the Highway Trust Fund. Ending dedicated funding for RTP takes these gas taxes away from the people who pay them. Ending dedicated funding for RTP is bad public policy and just plain wrong.
· The RTP is the foundation of state trail programs. If the RTP loses its dedicated funding, organized trail planning and development will simply vanish in many areas of the country.
Now is the time to act. Write, email or call your two Senators. Here's a link if you need it: http://www.senate.gov/. Make sure your entire grassroots organization is engaged as well.
We need to show the United States Senate just how many Americans are committed to the Recreational Trails Program. If we don't act, the very backbone of trails in America may be forever lost.
Please be sure to send us a copy of your message. Thank you for your help.
Marianne Fowler, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
Derrick Crandall, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
1225 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 682-9530 Fax (202) 682-9529
cahern@funoutdoors.com
The Recreational Trails Program is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation known as MAP-21 that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of its dedicated funding.
But all hope is not lost.
CRT and its member organizations have been working to identify key Champions in the Senate with the aim of having an amendment to restore dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered by the full Senate.
Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help.
Now is the time for all organizations and individuals who support RTP to tell their Senators to protect dedicated funding for this absolutely essential program.
The key messages are simple:
· Unless the bill is changed, MAP-21 will effectively eliminate the Recreational Trails Program; and
· Please amend MAP-21 to include dedicated funding for RTP.
Other helpful messages include:
· For the last two decades, RTP has received a portion of the gas taxes paid by users of off-highway motorized vehicles to fund trail building, maintenance and other trail-related projects. More than 13,000 projects have been funded across the country for all kinds of trail uses. This is a very successful program.
· At its current level of annual funding - $85 million - RTP receives less than 42% of the Federal Highway Administration's conservative estimate of the federal gas taxes paid by America's nonhighway recreationists. The Senate bill would reduce that percentage to zero and represents a substantial new tax on motorized recreation enthusiasts.
· The return of gas taxes to trail users through the RTP is in keeping with the user-pay, user-benefit philosophy of the Highway Trust Fund. Ending dedicated funding for RTP takes these gas taxes away from the people who pay them. Ending dedicated funding for RTP is bad public policy and just plain wrong.
· The RTP is the foundation of state trail programs. If the RTP loses its dedicated funding, organized trail planning and development will simply vanish in many areas of the country.
Now is the time to act. Write, email or call your two Senators. Here's a link if you need it: http://www.senate.gov/. Make sure your entire grassroots organization is engaged as well.
We need to show the United States Senate just how many Americans are committed to the Recreational Trails Program. If we don't act, the very backbone of trails in America may be forever lost.
Please be sure to send us a copy of your message. Thank you for your help.
Marianne Fowler, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
Derrick Crandall, Co-Chair, Coalition for Recreational Trails
1225 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 682-9530 Fax (202) 682-9529
cahern@funoutdoors.com
URGENT ACTION NEEDED TODAY!!!
AHC is facing big budget problems and we are asking that $250,000 be added to the Governor's proposed AHC budget. This takes us from a 45% cut down to a 36% cut. We know it's rough and that we need to take our share of cuts, but 45% is just too much. Please help by calling the chair of the budget committees for both the House and the Senate TODAY. A vote may come as early as this week so time is critical!
Below and attached are some talking points and attached is a list of the members on the senate and house budget committees. Not only are we asking you to call, but please call others in the community you know will also call.
Thanks for your support!
Alabama's historic and archaeological places are at risk!
The Alabama Historical Commission is facing a devastating 45% budget cut for FY 2012.
Please contact your legislators today.
Tell them this cut is too deep.
Ask them to add $250,000 to the Governor's request.
This will reduce our cut to 36%. Even at this level, we are faced with:
o eliminating or crippling essential programs and services like
o documenting, monitoring and registering state landmarks and cemeteries
o ending digitization of irreplaceable data about Alabama buildings
o on-site professional assessments of buildings and archeological sites
o training and assistance programs
o reducing or ending educational programs like
o Alabama Frontier Days at Fort Toulouse
o summer Candlelight Tours at Fort Morgan
o tours of our Alabama Capitol
o closing or reducing hours at historic sites across the state
o losing income from admissions and gift shop sales, compounding the cuts
o ending needed capital repairs and rehab projects on our historic sites
o laying off staff, loosing irreplaceable expertise
Tell them you value Alabama's heritage and the services and programs the Alabama Historical Commission provides your community. Tell them you value your local historic site and its positive impact on your community. Tell them preservation is a powerful tool for economic development.
PRESERVATION:
o creates private sector jobs at all income levels in construction and tourism industries
o increases property values and tax revenues, returning vacant buildings to tax rolls
o enhances tourism--the state's #2 industry
o provides affordable spaces for small businesses--our key job generators
o maintains capital investments made by earlier generations
o helps create the kind of communities that attract industry
IMPACT OF PRESERVATION CUTS FOR ALABAMA COMMUNITIES
o lower tax revenues from sales, income and property tax
o loss of private sector jobs and household income
o less attractive image for tourists and industry
o irretrievable loss of our cultural and historic heritage
Tell them Economic Development, Jobs, and Alabama's Heritage are at stake.
AHC is facing big budget problems and we are asking that $250,000 be added to the Governor's proposed AHC budget. This takes us from a 45% cut down to a 36% cut. We know it's rough and that we need to take our share of cuts, but 45% is just too much. Please help by calling the chair of the budget committees for both the House and the Senate TODAY. A vote may come as early as this week so time is critical!
Below and attached are some talking points and attached is a list of the members on the senate and house budget committees. Not only are we asking you to call, but please call others in the community you know will also call.
Thanks for your support!
Alabama's historic and archaeological places are at risk!
The Alabama Historical Commission is facing a devastating 45% budget cut for FY 2012.
Please contact your legislators today.
Tell them this cut is too deep.
Ask them to add $250,000 to the Governor's request.
This will reduce our cut to 36%. Even at this level, we are faced with:
o eliminating or crippling essential programs and services like
o documenting, monitoring and registering state landmarks and cemeteries
o ending digitization of irreplaceable data about Alabama buildings
o on-site professional assessments of buildings and archeological sites
o training and assistance programs
o reducing or ending educational programs like
o Alabama Frontier Days at Fort Toulouse
o summer Candlelight Tours at Fort Morgan
o tours of our Alabama Capitol
o closing or reducing hours at historic sites across the state
o losing income from admissions and gift shop sales, compounding the cuts
o ending needed capital repairs and rehab projects on our historic sites
o laying off staff, loosing irreplaceable expertise
Tell them you value Alabama's heritage and the services and programs the Alabama Historical Commission provides your community. Tell them you value your local historic site and its positive impact on your community. Tell them preservation is a powerful tool for economic development.
PRESERVATION:
o creates private sector jobs at all income levels in construction and tourism industries
o increases property values and tax revenues, returning vacant buildings to tax rolls
o enhances tourism--the state's #2 industry
o provides affordable spaces for small businesses--our key job generators
o maintains capital investments made by earlier generations
o helps create the kind of communities that attract industry
IMPACT OF PRESERVATION CUTS FOR ALABAMA COMMUNITIES
o lower tax revenues from sales, income and property tax
o loss of private sector jobs and household income
o less attractive image for tourists and industry
o irretrievable loss of our cultural and historic heritage
Tell them Economic Development, Jobs, and Alabama's Heritage are at stake.
First Lady Dianne Bentley is an avid quilter and has expressed her interest in celebrating the beautiful quilts made in the state. She has also noted that she worked on a quilt using Dr. Bentley's ties as she drove him around during the campaign. Inspired by her interest, as its first exhibition of the New Year, the Alabama State Council on the Arts has organized an exhibition of quilts by twenty-six quilt makers from throughout the state. Included in the exhibition is the Cathedral Window panel made by Mrs. Bentley during the campaign. The exhibition is on display in the Alabama Artists Galley in the RSA Tower in downtown Montgomery.
Of special note in this presentation is the Pine Burr Quilt, designated the official quilt of Alabama by the Alabama Legislature in 1997. The logo for the Alabama Tourism Department's award-winning Year of Alabama Arts campaign was based on the Pine Burr Quilt quilt design. The example in the gallery is on loan from the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Also of note is the quilt by Bettye Kimbrell and the North Jefferson Quilter's Guild of Mount Olive. Kimbrell is recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award. Two artists are recipients of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship for excellence in craft: Murray Johnston and Nancy Goodman.
For more information on the quilt exhibit please see http://www.arts.state.al.us/news/index-news.html#Alabama%20Artists%20Gallery.
Of special note in this presentation is the Pine Burr Quilt, designated the official quilt of Alabama by the Alabama Legislature in 1997. The logo for the Alabama Tourism Department's award-winning Year of Alabama Arts campaign was based on the Pine Burr Quilt quilt design. The example in the gallery is on loan from the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Also of note is the quilt by Bettye Kimbrell and the North Jefferson Quilter's Guild of Mount Olive. Kimbrell is recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award. Two artists are recipients of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship for excellence in craft: Murray Johnston and Nancy Goodman.
For more information on the quilt exhibit please see http://www.arts.state.al.us/news/index-news.html#Alabama%20Artists%20Gallery.
Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) will be joined by Congressman Jo Bonner (R-Mobile), as Co-Chair of the Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus (CTTC) for the 112th Congress. The Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus' mission is to support and develop national policy that promotes domestic and international travel to the United States. "The U.S. is home to some of the most pristine and exciting tourist destinations in the world," said Congressman Sam Farr. "Tourism is an economic engine that will continue to play a vital role in stimulating our local economies. I look forward to working with Congressman Bonner and the rest of the caucus to advance an agenda that promotes the industry and creates much needed jobs across our country."
"Tourism and travel are significant jobs providers for every corner of America. Too often, the travel industry's impact isn't fully appreciated until a disaster strikes and the resulting loss of tourist dollars is felt throughout local economies, from hotels and restaurants to schools. Many Gulf Coast communities suffered such losses first hand during last year's oil spill. I am honored to join Rep. Farr as co chair of the Travel and Tourism Caucus during the 112th Congress, and I look forward to bringing a renewed focus to America's great potential as the world's travel destination," said Congressman Jo Bonner.
Mr. Farr has served as co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus since 1997. His district on California's Central Coast encompasses the Monterey Bay region, where the travel industry generates over $2 billion for the local economy. Mr. Bonner previously served as an active member of the caucus, and represents Alabama's fast-growing six-county Gulf Coast region where tourist and travel expenditures total $3.2 billion. The travel caucus, which consisted of more than 100 members in the 111th Congress, works to develop and support legislation that promotes the nation's travel and tourism industry, as well as fosters communication between lawmakers and travel leaders. In its latest figures, the U.S. Travel Association estimated that the travel industry contributed $704.4 billion to the economy and employed 7.7 million people. Last Congress, the caucus was busy supporting the Travel Promotion Act, which passed both Chambers of Congress and was signed by the President in February 2010. The new law is working to promote the U.S. as a premier travel destination and better explain travel policies - making it easier for tourists to visit the many tourist destinations the U.S. has to offer.
The Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus was founded in 1979, and over the years has diligently worked to promote issues vital to the well being of the travel and tourism industry. The caucus works to educate Congressional Members and staff on the importance of securing a vibrant tourism industry for all 50 states, which generates $113 billion for local, state and federal governments.
"Tourism and travel are significant jobs providers for every corner of America. Too often, the travel industry's impact isn't fully appreciated until a disaster strikes and the resulting loss of tourist dollars is felt throughout local economies, from hotels and restaurants to schools. Many Gulf Coast communities suffered such losses first hand during last year's oil spill. I am honored to join Rep. Farr as co chair of the Travel and Tourism Caucus during the 112th Congress, and I look forward to bringing a renewed focus to America's great potential as the world's travel destination," said Congressman Jo Bonner.
Mr. Farr has served as co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus since 1997. His district on California's Central Coast encompasses the Monterey Bay region, where the travel industry generates over $2 billion for the local economy. Mr. Bonner previously served as an active member of the caucus, and represents Alabama's fast-growing six-county Gulf Coast region where tourist and travel expenditures total $3.2 billion. The travel caucus, which consisted of more than 100 members in the 111th Congress, works to develop and support legislation that promotes the nation's travel and tourism industry, as well as fosters communication between lawmakers and travel leaders. In its latest figures, the U.S. Travel Association estimated that the travel industry contributed $704.4 billion to the economy and employed 7.7 million people. Last Congress, the caucus was busy supporting the Travel Promotion Act, which passed both Chambers of Congress and was signed by the President in February 2010. The new law is working to promote the U.S. as a premier travel destination and better explain travel policies - making it easier for tourists to visit the many tourist destinations the U.S. has to offer.
The Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus was founded in 1979, and over the years has diligently worked to promote issues vital to the well being of the travel and tourism industry. The caucus works to educate Congressional Members and staff on the importance of securing a vibrant tourism industry for all 50 states, which generates $113 billion for local, state and federal governments.
Gov. Robert Bentley urged Alabama residents during his inaugural address to vacation in their home state. "I want to take a moment to encourage you to do what I've done. Travel this state - take time to enjoy the beauty of Alabama. Visit the mountains of North Alabama. Enjoy our clear lakes and streams. Stroll the main streets of our small towns in rural Alabama. Spend some good, quality time on the beautiful clean beaches of Gulf Shores." His remarks came after being sworn in Monday as the state's 53rd chief executive. He also called for the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to "create and build a state-of-the-art convention center" along the Gulf Coast. When he addressed the tourism industry's conference in Montgomery as a candidate in August, he identified a conference center at Gulf State Park as his top tourism priority.
State tourism director Lee Sentell, who was sworn in Tuesday to serve in the Bentley Administration, said he could not recall any governor giving such strong, specific support for tourism in an inaugural address. "This is great news. Gov. Bentley has made it clear what his goals are. Our industry will work very hard to help him complete this economic development project." Sentell visited with Dr. and Mrs. Bentley during a reception of well-wishers at the Governor's Mansion on Sunday night.
State tourism director Lee Sentell, who was sworn in Tuesday to serve in the Bentley Administration, said he could not recall any governor giving such strong, specific support for tourism in an inaugural address. "This is great news. Gov. Bentley has made it clear what his goals are. Our industry will work very hard to help him complete this economic development project." Sentell visited with Dr. and Mrs. Bentley during a reception of well-wishers at the Governor's Mansion on Sunday night.
If this was to become law, the estimate is that Alabama would receive about $7 million dollars per year for Outdoor Recreation projects. In 2008 we received $364,000.
The House of Representatives' Natural Resources Committee is preparing energy legislation and strongly considering full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at the authorized annual level of $900 million. The funding amounts to $450 million for state and local matching grants to acquire and develop recreation parks, forests, and recreation facilities and $450 million to expand and protect national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges as well as other federally managed public lands. The bill will be introduced upon legislators' return in September after the August Recess.
Your support is needed NOW to let your members of Congress know how much you care about the LWCF and the special places that it protects such as parks, refuges, trails, cultural and historic places, public lands, and access to close to home recreation areas in your community. It is important for parks and recreation advocates to connect with legislators during the August recess, through meet and greet events and arranged meetings with district offices. Tell your Representatives that their support is needed to ensure that an LWCF full funding provision is a top priority in the Energy Bill and that you will be counting on them to help get this provision enacted into law. The link below is a briefing paper with key message points on the Land and Water Conservation Fund to bring up while you meet with legislators.
The House of Representatives' Natural Resources Committee is preparing energy legislation and strongly considering full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at the authorized annual level of $900 million. The funding amounts to $450 million for state and local matching grants to acquire and develop recreation parks, forests, and recreation facilities and $450 million to expand and protect national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges as well as other federally managed public lands. The bill will be introduced upon legislators' return in September after the August Recess.
Your support is needed NOW to let your members of Congress know how much you care about the LWCF and the special places that it protects such as parks, refuges, trails, cultural and historic places, public lands, and access to close to home recreation areas in your community. It is important for parks and recreation advocates to connect with legislators during the August recess, through meet and greet events and arranged meetings with district offices. Tell your Representatives that their support is needed to ensure that an LWCF full funding provision is a top priority in the Energy Bill and that you will be counting on them to help get this provision enacted into law. The link below is a briefing paper with key message points on the Land and Water Conservation Fund to bring up while you meet with legislators.
The Alabama tourism industry will have a rally at the steps of the State House in Montgomery on Tuesday, Feb.17 to voice their support for several bills before the legislature. "The Rally for Tourism" will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Union Street side of the State House Office and will include speeches by Huntsville Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Judy Ryals, and members of both the Alabama House and Senate. According to the latest Economic Impact Study by the Alabama Tourism Department, more than 22.4 million people visit the state each year, generating over $9.3 billion in expenditures within Alabama and helping to provide more than 169,000 jobs for Alabama families. "Tourism is a vital part of the economic health of Alabama and the rally is a means for us to express to the state's elected officials our support for their initiative to strengthen the industry," said Ryals. "In particular we want to express our support for a later school start date in Alabama, the Alabama Movie Bill (HB 69), and seven day sales," she said. For additional information, please contact the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association at 800-648-5381 or email angie@northalabama.org.
The Alabama Tourism Partnership is sponsoring a "Getting to Know Your Alabama Legislature" seminar on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The seminar will be from 10 a.m. to noon with registration at 9:30 a.m. All parts of the legislative process from bill introduction to passage will be covered in this educational seminar. The seminar will be moderated by Bob McCurley director of the Alabama Law Institute and will feature a panel consisting of Sen. Wendell Mitchell, Rep. Cam Ward, Sen. Bobby Singleton, and Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, and Kim Adams. After the seminar there will be a tour of the legislative chambers and an opportunity to observe the joint budget hearings. There is no charge for the seminar, but pre-registration is required. To register contact Patti Culp, executive director of the Alabama Travel Council at patticulp@alabamatravel.org
from the organization Conservation Alabama
In two separate committees Tuesday, legislators will hear bills that would enhance local communities' ability to control their own future in regards to landfill and quarry operations. Legislators need to hear from you in order to get these important bills out of committee.
A few years ago, activists helped pass a bill that gave county commissions a say in the siting of landfill operations. But there was a small provision in the bill - if a county commission takes no action on a landfill application within 90 days, the landfill is automatically approved.
SB330, sponsored by Senator Wendell Mitchell, would simply change the language of the law to make a landfill application denied after 90 days of inaction. This change should push county commissions to take a vote so citizens see where their commissioners stand on proposed landfills.
In two separate committees Tuesday, legislators will hear bills that would enhance local communities' ability to control their own future in regards to landfill and quarry operations. Legislators need to hear from you in order to get these important bills out of committee.
A few years ago, activists helped pass a bill that gave county commissions a say in the siting of landfill operations. But there was a small provision in the bill - if a county commission takes no action on a landfill application within 90 days, the landfill is automatically approved.
SB330, sponsored by Senator Wendell Mitchell, would simply change the language of the law to make a landfill application denied after 90 days of inaction. This change should push county commissions to take a vote so citizens see where their commissioners stand on proposed landfills.
Continue reading Communities fighting landfills and quarries need your help.
On January 31, 2008, the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) Foundation launched its inaugural High School Constitutional Reform Education Contest. The goal of this education initiative is to give high school seniors an opportunity to express themselves and, in the process, learn more about the 1901 Constitution. The contest, which ends on March 14, 2008, is open to all public and private high school seniors in the state.
Students are encouraged to submit essays and multimedia entries based on the following theme for 2008: “Who needs a new Alabama Constitution?” Additional information including the contest guidelines and an entry form can be found on the ACCR Foundation website: www.constitutionALreform.org
The ACCR Foundation will offer first place ($500) and second place ($250) scholarship awards for the top two winners in both the essay and multimedia categories. In addition, the winners will be recognized through the local media and at their respective high school awards ceremonies. The first-prize winners will present their work during the annual Bailey Thomson Awards Luncheon on August 28, 2008.
For more information or to order a free “It’s a Thick Book” DVD, please contact Jasmine Hodges, the ACCR Foundation Coordinator: (205) 441-6805 or Jasmine@constitutionALreform.org
Students are encouraged to submit essays and multimedia entries based on the following theme for 2008: “Who needs a new Alabama Constitution?” Additional information including the contest guidelines and an entry form can be found on the ACCR Foundation website: www.constitutionALreform.org
The ACCR Foundation will offer first place ($500) and second place ($250) scholarship awards for the top two winners in both the essay and multimedia categories. In addition, the winners will be recognized through the local media and at their respective high school awards ceremonies. The first-prize winners will present their work during the annual Bailey Thomson Awards Luncheon on August 28, 2008.
For more information or to order a free “It’s a Thick Book” DVD, please contact Jasmine Hodges, the ACCR Foundation Coordinator: (205) 441-6805 or Jasmine@constitutionALreform.org
