Contact Your State Representatives Now

It is hard to know just where to begin concerning all of the proposed budget cuts which will adversely affect our environmental programs. In an e-letter, I brought up the issue with the Wyler Aerial Tramway. But there is much more: cuts affecting many programs with Texas Parks and Wildlife and other programs vital to a sustainable environment. It even gets personal. There is a program to completely de-fund the State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program which would mean that our beloved Lois Balin, our Wildlife Biologist, won't have her job come next August. (Here is a sample letter to use to help save the SWG.)

Please read through all of the messages below. Here is a full list of the people who represent you in the State of Texas and how to contact them.

In short, the Parks & Wildlife Department would see a $238.2 million cut in its budget, a full third of its funding, including a loss of about 505 full-time employees. Some additional savings would come from cutting back on programs and grants and deferring minor repair projects in state parks for six months. (For all of the items on the chopping block, go here.)

A message from the Texas Master Naturalist Coordinator, Michelle Haggerty, helps to explain some of the budget issues and where you can address your concerns:

Master Naturalist Chapter Leaders--

Please share the following informational/educational resources and information with your members who may have an interest in knowing about state and national budget impacts affecting programs they are a part of or have an interest in.

As a reminder, this information is being sent to you as a citizen who may be interested in knowing the proposed budget cuts and impacts at both the national and state levels that affect wildlife and natural resource conservation, education and research.

At the National Level:

The current House Appropriations Committee Continuing Resolution has proposed eliminating all funding for the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program. Senate and House leaders are negotiating on a short-term continuing resolution at this time to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate and House versions of their resolutions each have different impacts ranging from Zero continued funding to maintenance of current funding for the remainder of the year. As a private citizen, NOW would be the time to voice your personal concern on this issue as negotiations continue this and next week. If you so choose, contact:

US Senator for Texas Kay Bailey Hutchison
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4304
202-224-5922
202-224-0776 (FAX)

US Senator for Texas John Cornyn
517 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Main: 202-224-2934
Fax: 202-228-2856

Attached are sample letters that we have been asked to share with you by the Texas Teaming with Wildlife Coalition. TPWD agency leaders have also sent letters of support for continued SWG funding outlining the benefits of the funding for the agency and the people and natural resources of Texas along with the impacts of funding cuts for the SWG program.

At the state level:

Other information being shared for your education includes information on the impacts of state budget cuts that could affect programs that interest you or that you are involved with as well.

State Finance and Appropriations Committee hearings are ongoing. Initial hearings regarding the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service were held earlier this month and both will likely be considered again. Current proposed budget cut impacts to both agencies would mean substantial cutbacks in services, staff and programs over the biennium. Citizen testimony may be allowed. More information on committee schedules can be found at http://www.house.state.tx.us/schedules/committee-schedules/.

Attached is additional educational information that has been produced by TPWD outlining the impacts of budget cuts to the agency and the programs it offers. These have been distributed to other NGO's and constituents by the agency. We have not been forwarded any similar information from Texas AgriLife Extension at this time other than the message conveyed above.

Should you decide to voice your opinion to national or state legislators on these issues, please know that you have the right to do so as a private citizen but not in the name of the Texas Master Naturalist Program.

Lobbying for or against legislation as a Master Naturalist or a chapter is against the TMN Program's bylaws, code of ethics, and standards of conduct and could result in dismissal from the program. As a Texas Master Naturalist volunteer you are representing the state agencies that sponsor you. Therefore, as a Master Naturalist representative you can't lobby. As an informed or concerned citizen you are representing your own personal views and can lobby for or against whatever you choose.

Thank you for your interest in and passion for the wildlife and natural resources of Texas.

John M Davis
TPWD Wildlife Diversity Program Leader

Michelle Haggerty
Texas Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

and

Sonny Arnold
Texas Master Naturalist Program Asst. Coordinator

The Master Naturalist program in Texas (of which I am involved in our local El Paso Chapter) provides public education about the environment, ecosystems, flora, fauna, etc. of our region. Although Michelle's message is to Master Naturalists, it can help you direct your comments as well to preserve funding for SWG and the TPWD.

There are 3 documents to give you information and talking points: Key Action Points, Talking Points, and Revised Exceptional Item Request.

John M. Davis, the Acting Wildlife Diversity Program Director, emailed this information:

I have heard from many of you indicating that you have had constituents asking you when and where they can express their opinion to our legislature regarding the budget for TPWD. Well, I’ve asked around and there is a public hearing related to TPWD with the Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday, March 3^rd. You can now pass that along to anyone who has expressed an interest. It is my understanding that public testimony will be allowed, but that could change due to limited time, etc. I’m just not sure. It looks like the hearing starts at 12:30pm in room E1.036 (finance room), but folks should confirm that by going online at:

http://www.roomsched.senate.state.tx.us/

The schedule and room assignments may change, so it’s up to constituents to check for the latest changes should they choose to come speak.

John M. Davis
Acting Wildlife Diversity Program Director
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, TX 78744
512-389-8587

John.Davis@tpwd.state.tx.us

Note that he is speaking about a meeting coming up this Thursday, March 3. There is time for you to contact your Texas State Senator's office.

One final way you can help: Join Teaming with Wildlife, a coalition of more than 6,300 organizations supporting increased public funding for wildlife conservation and related education and recreation. Organization membership will help ensure that state wildlife agencies and their conservation partners have the funding they need to fully implement their wildlife action plans, conserving wildlife and natural areas for future generations.