Monday, September 4, 2017

State Budget: GPR Not Restored But State Budget Success for Parks



State Budget: GPR Not Restored But State Budget Success for Parks
FWSP and other natural resources organizations were very active during the budget debates. It appears that General Purpose Revenue (GPR) will not be restored for state parks in this budget cycle. While there is widespread public support for restoring GPR, there were not enough legislators
supporting it. On the bright side there will be a $2M for state park properties. This is good news for park supporters
WI Parks have key friends in the legislature including GPR Legislative Champion Rep Ron Tusler. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) Board and Friends Group worked hard to raise the profile of this issue.    Credit goes to the many individuals who to made phone calls & met with legislators and the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters (WLCV) who provided guidance to help to make this happen. Having partners like WLCV widen the circle of influence that state parks and other natural resource organizations have.
FWSP Positions during budget process
  • Support resumption of GPR for parks
  • Support adding electricity to more campsites
  • Oppose park naming rights
  • Support sponsorship for infrastructure improvements.  
  • Oppose general (overall) fee increases; consider specific increases

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