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Support grows for bill to sustain community preservation
A bill to strengthen the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act is off to a strong start in the new legislative session. A majority of legislators in both chambers -- 25 state senators and 89 representatives -- have signed on as co-sponsors, a major show of support and a significant increase from last session. The CPA allows cities and towns to raise funds for open space conservation, outdoor recreation, affordable housing and historic preservation -- needs frequently neglected in the regular municipal budget but essential in preserving a community's character and quality of life. "An Act to Sustain Community Preservation" would raise the minimum annual guaranteed state match to 75 percent, and make other changes to broaden participation. For more information, see the website of the Community Preservation Coalition.
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NY Governor's budget proposal maintains environment funding
After steep and disproportionate cuts last year to New York's major source of funding for conservation and other environmental programs, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), advocates were relieved that Gov. Cuomo's proposed budget holds funding steady at $134 million. And, significantly, Gov. Cuomo didn't seek to plug budget holes by raiding already appropriated EPF money -- a tactic used by previous administrations that has already siphoned off a quarter of all the money appropriated over the life of the fund.
A broad coalition of environmental groups mobilized early, holding a January rally in Albany together with business and municipal leaders to urge the governor to invest in the environment. The Conservation Campaign is the fiscal sponsor of the advocacy effort, which is now focused on protecting funding in the upcoming budget negotiations with the Legislature. The campaign will be running ads on a political blog, the local radio station and the legislative gazette to highlight the importance of EPF in Albany. For more information, go to KeepProtectingNY.org.
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Taking the conservation message (again) to Iowa legislators
Last week, nearly 200 people "flooded" the Iowa capital wearing blue shirts for a rally to remind legislators that 63% of Iowa voters overwhelmingly support increased and sustainable funding for water quality, soil conservation, and outdoor natural areas. Last fall's vote created a constitutionally protected Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, but the Legislature has to dedicate the money. "Legislators are definitely getting the message that the vote from November meant something," said Mark Langgin, Executive Director of the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy coalition.
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Help us add tools to our campaign kit
We are developing a list of online campaign resources -- books, articles, websites or other useful links -- to include in our grassroots Conservation Campaign Toolkit. Please email your suggestions to TCC@conservationcampaign.org.
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