Things are moving fast in Albany, and we need your help to make sure parks get the funding they need.

The state Senate and Assembly released their budget proposals this week, and both included critical funding for infrastructure improvements at our state parks and historic sites. Both proposals also maintain the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $134 million and would enhance the EPF by phasing in revenue from the Bottle Bill (unclaimed nickel deposits that currently go to the General Fund).  

This is good news! But as both houses negotiate to work out the differences in their budget plans, we must make sure that this funding is in the final budget deal.   

Call your state representatives today to thank them for supporting state parks and the EPF and urge them to make sure this important funding is in the final budget.

Here's how:  

• Contact your state Assemblymember and Senator.      
• Use the talking points below to thank them and urge support for parks and environmental funding in the final budget deal.  

It's as easy as that.    

Thank you for speaking out for the parks you love!    

Talking Points 

• Thank you for including $89 million for infrastructure improvements at New York State Parks and Historic Sites in the Assembly/Senate budget proposal.
• Thank you also for maintaining the Environmental Protection Fund in the Assembly/Senate budget proposal and for including language that would phase in revenue from the Bottle Bill in the future.
• As the Assembly, Senate and Governor negotiate the final budget, please work to ensure that this funding is included so we can move forward with making critical improvements at our parks and developing exciting environmental programs in our community in the future.  

For more information, see our talking points from Park Advocacy Day.