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Earth Night |
LOBBY DAY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Tuesday, February 25
View highlights of the event here.
We can't afford to lose any more ground.
Don't clearcut the environmental budget.
Why now?
As Governor Romney chips away at the current (fiscal year 2003) budget, cutting funding for riverways programs and wide-ranging municipal support, the situation will only get worse for fiscal year 2004. At risk are cleanup plans for countless hazardous waste sites that continue to threaten human health and the environment; programs that help municipalities conduct recycling programs and safely close landfills; grants to nonprofits to help them monitor streams and restore wetlands; the availability of publicly owned land for recreation; and implementation and enforcement of existing laws. Even programs that are driven by bond funding, like land purchases, stand to lose when fewer staff are available to process CRs and APRs. Incentive grants to municipalities that help preserve smaller parcels may also fall to the budget axe. All of these existing programs are important for our health and quality of life here in Massachusetts -- but it's a well-kept secret on Beacon Hill.
Legislators find it easy to go along with cuts to environmental programs - because they don't know what they're cutting! In Fiscal Year 2000, Massachusetts was ranked 48th among all states in proportion of state funds spent on the environment - and we've only seen cuts to environmental spending since then!
Please join us for a lobby day at the State House on Tuesday, February 25 to advocate against further cuts to environmental programs in Fiscal Year 2004!
9:30-10:15 AM, State House, Room 222
Environmental budget briefing for Legislators.
The Environmental Caucus of the Massachusetts Legislature will sponsor a Briefing on the Environmental Budget.
10:15-10:45 AM, State House, Room 222
Press Conference.
Legislators, affected people and communities, and environmental advocates will protest additional pending cuts to environmental programs.
11:00 AM-12:30 PM, State House, Room 222
Lobby training followed by visits with legislators.
You will receive lobbying packets (including fact sheets for legislators) and participate in a brief training session. Participants will then break into groups and visit their legislators to let them know: We can't afford to lose any more ground. Don't clearcut the environmental budget.
12:30-1:00 PM, State House, Room 222
Debrief and Lobby Day closing
Please note: The environmental budget briefing is optional. However, PLEASE be sure to arrive at the State House by 10:15 AM for the press conference.
Scheduling your lobby visit
Allow yourself 15 minutes for each appointment, with 10 minutes for travel time in between. We will provide you with a State House map at the event.
To request a meeting with your state representative or senator, you should:
-- Call your legislator's State House office- To look up your legislator's phone number go to www.state.ma.us/legis/citytown.htm
-- Ask to speak with the legislator's scheduler;
-- Introduce yourself as a constituent, stating your street address and city or town, as well as your organizational affiliation (if you have one).
-- Explain that you will be attending a State House Lobby Day for Environmental Programs on February 25. Request a brief 15 minute appointment with your legislator to discuss the environmental budget. Be sure to schedule your appointment between 11:00 AM. and 12:30 PM;
-- If he or she is unavailable, ask to meet with the legislator's aide who is responsible for environmental issues.
Finally, If you are unable to attend the event, please call or write your state representative and senator and urge them not to allow any more cuts. Let them know that we cannot afford to lose any more ground - Don't clearcut the environmental budget. If you don't know who your state legislators are, look up the General Court's website at www.state.ma.us/legis/. Send all mail to: Representative/Senator (name), State House, Boston, MA 02133.
If you have any questions about the current budget cuts or prospects for cuts in Fiscal Year 2004, please contact Pam DiBona at pdibona@environmentalleague.org.