Post by beatcj on May 9, 2009 10:48:02 GMT -8
It's evidently on the governor's desk now. I sent this to her at: www.governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp
then all of my local politicos. You know, I think what I find most irritating is that only Ed Orcutt, his aide and one other aide have replied to my many messages.
Dear Senator Zarelli:
I have previously sent you information on the status of NOVA funding. While it seems that the budget is moving in directions against the will of many of your constituents, it's my understanding that the battle is not over. I sent this message to our Governor, trying to influence the legislation.
Dear Governor Gregoire:
I write to express my dismay on the way that the proposed budget deals with NOVA Funds. These funds are initially collected as Gas Tax then redistributed for non highway users. Since nonhighway users aren't on the public roadways, they would be eligible for a tax refund. Instead, we agreed to allow those taxes to be collected and used to fund various nonhighway uses, boating, ORVs and others. However, in this budget crunch somehow this money got moved to the State Parks budget. Since the funds derive from gas taxes, I suspect that under a rigid interpretation, they would be subject to Article II, Section 40 of the Constitution. I believe that the way these funds have moved away from their intended purpose does a great dis-service to many of us that pay these taxes.
These moneys are worth more than just face value, allowing the WADNR to apply for Federal Grants, bringing additional dollars (and Jobs) to our State. Please do not allow this misappropriation of user fees to continue as planned. It has the appearance of back door politics, and frankly, leads many of us to distrust elected officials.
I think that this applies to many specialized funding sources, and yes, I realize that we are in the midst of the greatest budget crisis of my lifetime, but balancing the budget should not be accomplished by reneging on promises already made. And that's what many of these specialized funds are, a promise made to consumer groups and future generations, too.
Thank you for your time.
Gordon Brooks
then all of my local politicos. You know, I think what I find most irritating is that only Ed Orcutt, his aide and one other aide have replied to my many messages.
Dear Senator Zarelli:
I have previously sent you information on the status of NOVA funding. While it seems that the budget is moving in directions against the will of many of your constituents, it's my understanding that the battle is not over. I sent this message to our Governor, trying to influence the legislation.
Dear Governor Gregoire:
I write to express my dismay on the way that the proposed budget deals with NOVA Funds. These funds are initially collected as Gas Tax then redistributed for non highway users. Since nonhighway users aren't on the public roadways, they would be eligible for a tax refund. Instead, we agreed to allow those taxes to be collected and used to fund various nonhighway uses, boating, ORVs and others. However, in this budget crunch somehow this money got moved to the State Parks budget. Since the funds derive from gas taxes, I suspect that under a rigid interpretation, they would be subject to Article II, Section 40 of the Constitution. I believe that the way these funds have moved away from their intended purpose does a great dis-service to many of us that pay these taxes.
These moneys are worth more than just face value, allowing the WADNR to apply for Federal Grants, bringing additional dollars (and Jobs) to our State. Please do not allow this misappropriation of user fees to continue as planned. It has the appearance of back door politics, and frankly, leads many of us to distrust elected officials.
I think that this applies to many specialized funding sources, and yes, I realize that we are in the midst of the greatest budget crisis of my lifetime, but balancing the budget should not be accomplished by reneging on promises already made. And that's what many of these specialized funds are, a promise made to consumer groups and future generations, too.
Thank you for your time.
Gordon Brooks