California's 278 state parks attract millions of tourist, who spend $4.32 billion annually in park-related expenditures in California, according to a recent study by Sacramento State University. The study found that the state park visitors spend an average of $57.63 in surrounding communities per visit. It is estimated that every dollar spent on state parks creates another $2.35 for California's treasury.

Why do our Sacramento representatives continually make cuts to an income producing system?

PROPOSITION 21 CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS INITIATIVE

California's state parks are falling apart because of decades of chronic under funding. Budget cuts are causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs - a backlog of more than $1 billion already exists.

The measure called "California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010" calls on Californians to support their state park system and wildlife conservation areas by paying $18 annually for a State Park Access Pass surcharge on vehicle license fees in return for:

• Elimination of maintenance and repairs backlogs for California's state parks, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs with consistent, dedicated funding.
• More jobs to local economies from maintenance and repair contracts for parks and beaches.
• Make the most of out of state tourism dollars with tourist avoiding the gulf coast beaches and Arizona's parks closed, California needs properly maintained, open and fully serviced parks and beaches.
• Free day use admission to all state parks throughout the year for California State licensed vehicles subject to the surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles.
• Approximately $130 million dollars freed up for other vital needs like schools, health care, social services or public safety, now being spent for state parks out of the General Fund.

California's parks are becoming less available to the public and are at serious risk of irreversible damage - already over half, nearly 150, state parks have been shut down part-time or suffered deep service reductions. Although we staved off Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed closure of 80% of the system and elimination of all core state funding for state parks, it's clear California's citizens need to take responsible, long term, fiscal action.

Cutting all programs equally across the board isn't "fair" it's fiscally irresponsible. When programs like the State Parks system, which brings in more money than it cost, are cut, we are cutting our noses off to spite our faces. The extra funds from state parks that would reduce our taxes or go into other programs are lost.

While being "fair" makes for a great sound bite - just like "You'll be back", in our fabulous California State Tourism advertisements - it's the height of financial ignorance. Where are all those so called "board meetings" held?... They're being held at California's parks and beaches, that's where!

California's gold, it's golden goose, are it's parks and beaches. Please remember the story of the goose, which laid the golden eggs and let's not allow the destruction of our parks to continue. When we invest in our parks, we invest in our local communities, create jobs, have affordable recreation and relaxation and we get back over two dollars for each dollar invested.

On November 2, 2010, California voters will have the opportunity to save state parks by approving Prop 21, creating the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. The fund will provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding for the state park system, for wildlife conservation and for increased and equitable access to those resources for all Californians.

For more information and to further support California State Parks go to: http://www.calparks.org/

I'm making the California Parks Advocacy pins to raise funds and awareness for California Parks. Each pin comes on a card with the above advocacy message on your choice of white, orange or green card stock. Suggested donation $5.00. If you have a location that would like to carry the California Parks Advocacy pins, they are available in packs of a dozen, 4 each of white, orange and green.

Heartfelt Enterprises - (559) 449-1650