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SACRAMENTO, CA – This afternoon, the Budget Conference Committee voted to eliminate $70 million in General Fund support for the state park system for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. As an additional action, the committee also voted to adopt the State Park Access Pass and develop a dedicated funding source to keep California's state parks open. The State Park Access Pass would institute a $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees of non-commercial vehicles, in order to provide Californians with free day-use access to state parks, and generate much-needed revenues for the state park system.
"Adopting the State Park Access Pass keeps the doors open to state parks for Californians and for the California economy," declared Elizabeth Goldstein, CSPF President. "At a time when the state desperately needs to generate revenues for many other critical state services, it makes sense to keep state parks open and available for the public. The Committee recognized that closing state parks won't save money, it will cost the state dearly."
A recent report by California State University, Sacramento found that park users, on average, spent $57.63 per visit. Across the system, this amounts to a more than $4.2 billion in positive economic impacts – impacts that would be lost if state parks are closed under the Governor's May Revise proposal.
CSPF originally proposed the State Park Access Pass (SPAP) with former Assemblymember John Laird in 2008 as part of the FY 08-09 state budget. The version adopted by the Budget Conference Committee today differs from last year's proposal in that today's action adopted a $15 fee, in order to gain permanent General Fund savings of approximately $143 million annually. In exchange for paying the fee, residents driving into state parks with a California license plate would receive free day-use entrance into state parks.
"In these tough times, Californians are choosing high-value, low cost options for spending their financial resources." said Goldstein. "The State Park Access Pass gives a great return to Californians for a modest annual investment. While we are disappointed that the proposal did not receive unanimous support at the Budget Conference Committee, we believe Californians across the state are enthusiastic about the State Park Access Pass and look forward to strong support from the entire Legislature."
In terms of next steps, CSPF expects the actions of the Budget Conference Committee to be compiled into a Budget Bill, which will be voted on by both houses of the Legislature. At this time, it is unclear when an actual budget vote will take place. The budget is required to be approved by a 2/3 vote in both houses and signed by the Governor.
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About SOS
The Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign is a statewide, grassroots campaign to keep California's magnificent state parks open. In partnership with organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals around the state, the California State Parks Foundation is leading SOS Campaign activities and generating awareness and action about budget proposals that would result in unacceptable park closures. For more information visit www.savestateparks.org
About CSPF
With our 100,000 members, the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) is the only statewide independent nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California's magnificent state parks. CSPF is committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, and recreational and educational opportunities offered by California's 279 state parks—the largest state park system in the United States. For more information about California's state parks, visit www.calparks.org
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