[CT Birds] DEP Funding Calls Needed Right now

[COMINS, Patrick]

Thanks in large part to a tremendous response by birders to previous alerts regarding DEP funding, the Appropriations Committee proposed additional funds for DEP staff and operations.  Unfortunately, we can't celebrate yet, as there is now a risk that no new funding will be included in the budget.  Please see the alert below that offers an easy way to contact your lawmakers.  This isn't going to happen unless there is a groundswell of support from people like us:

Patrick Comins, Meriden

Please take a few moments contact your state Representative and Senator TODAY, even if you have previously contacted them, and ask them to ask their leaders to include $5 million in restored DEP funding for personnel and operations in their budget.

The level of state support for the DEP is at an all-time low and has created a crisis for our parks; brownfield restoration; and the protection of our birds and other wildlife, land, air and water. The share of General Fund dollars Connecticut spends on environmental programs (less than 1/4 ¼ of 1%) is less than half that of neighboring states.

DEP is well-managed and has strong leadership. It now needs the resources to do its job.

You can use the link below to locate your legislator:

http://www.votesmart.org/mystate_government_resources.php?state_id=CT&go2.x=15&go2.y=12


Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Kierran Broatch
Outreach Associate

Connecticut Fund for the Environment
205 Whitney Avenue, 1st Floor
New Haven, CT 06511
Tel: (203) 787-0646 Ext. 117