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Giving campaigns the extra edge
In the November elections, The Conservation Campaign is sponsoring campaigns to renew open space funding in Arapahoe County, CO and Haddonfield Borough, NJ. These campaigns are run by volunteers, and the assistance we can offer can make a big difference -- especially in today's tough political climate. When we sponsor a campaign -- our deepest level of service -- we provide the
legal structure and handle the technical details, making sure campaigns comply with the law and freeing volunteers to get their message to the voters.You are an important part of our effort to help communities create the funding to protect their land and water, create parks, and preserve their quality of life. Contribute today and help us take these campaigns to the finish line.
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 Early voting begins on Travis County, TX, open space bond
Voters are deciding on a pair of bond measures to fund open space conservation and transportation in Travis County, part of the Austin metropolitan region. Early voting runs until November 4 for the November 8 general election. The Austin Chronicle recently endorsed the measures, Props 1 & 2, as a "balanced approach to meet the county's infrastructure needs." The two propositions have the backing of 21 diverse community groups. Polling shows solid voter support, but this is an off-year in the election cycle and the measures are at the bottom of the ballot. The campaign is making a final push to educate voters and get out the vote. Find out how you can support the Travis Two-Step campaign. |
Momentum on 'Growing Greener'
The legislative logjam on whether to assess a tax or fee on natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania shows signs of breaking up. A portion of such a fee or tax could provide the revenue needed to continue the Growing Greener program, whose funding has plummeted despite the significant economic benefits it has returned to the state. At a time when the natural gas drilling boom threatens Pennsylvania's water, air, and environment, the Renew Growing Greener coalition of nearly 250 organizations is seeking to dedicate part of a tax or fee on drilling to sustain the program's funding for restoring watersheds, protecting farms and open space, and enhancing access to outdoor recreation.
So far, Governor Tom Corbett's staunch anti-tax stance has blocked any new tax. But now he is proposing an "impact fee" to offset the costs to local communities, although it falls short of what is needed and doesn't direct funding to Growing Greener. State legislators have introduced their own proposals that would generate more revenues and allocate significant funds to Growing Greener. Meanwhile, the call to renew Growing Greener grows stronger by the day. Since September, 20 new organizations have signed the coalition's statement of support, and now more than 100 counties, townships, and boroughs have adopted resolutions calling for renewal of Growing Greener. To get involved in the campaign, go to the Renew Growing Greener website.
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