[CT Birds] Bird Seed Tax

[Pat Dufour]

As I said once before, a tax by any other name is still a tax and would
result in a lot of people having to stop feeding the birds, especially
senior citizens.  They often can no longer keep a pet but still enjoy
feeding the birds.  I agree with the person ( I apologize for forgetting
your name) that suggested you donate that money you would spend on the "Tax"
to one of the worthy non profit groups working the area of preservation.
You are more apt to have a better out come.
I just don't want the TAX man to have his hand in my pocket, do you?
Pat.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Milan Bull" <mbull at ctaudubon.org>
To: <ctbirds at lists.ctbirding.org>
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 5:01 PM
Subject: [CT Birds] Bird Seed Tax


> In the early 1980's the Connecticut Audubon Society launched an effort to
pass a Bird Seed Tax specifically to provide funding for the DEP Wildlife
Division (Bureau of Natural Resources).  These funds would be specifically
earmarked for wildlife conservation purposes and held in a special DEP fund
for that purpose.  We never really got to first base with the effort then,
as it was heavily opposed by the bird seed companies as well as retailers.
The state lawmakers didn't like it because they are generally opposed to
special funding mechanisms (read: they can't get their hands on them).
>
> Times have changed, however, and I believe it could be done, but it would
require a massive effort on behalf of the environmental community.  Our
Fairfield Nature Center currently sells nearly 250,000 lbs of bird seed
every year at just this one Center and nearly every one of our customers are
in favor of such a "surcharge" if it could be used directly for conservation
purposes. Just a few cents per bag of seed could result in millions of badly
needed dollars for wildlife in this state.
>
> Milan Bull
> Connecticut Audubon Society
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