Live from the Senate-House Hearing
The joint Senate and House committee meeting is underway. The hearing is for four bills that, if passed, would change how our state parks and state forest recreation are funded.
Public testimony began with Murdock Jemerson, chair of the Citizen’s Committee for Michigan State Park, and Chuck Nelson, the committee co-chair. Both combined to give an overview of the proposal and answer questions.
Rev. Hurley Coleman, a member of the Natural Resources Committee and Citizen’s committee, has spoken in support of the bills, especially as it pertains to children, urban recreation, and reaching out to non-traditional state park users.
Senator Gleason expressed his concerns about a younger generation that is not engaged with the outdoors as previous generations have been. Rev. Coleman discussed how this funding proposal would free up DNR employees from manning toll booths to providing programming that helps connect kids to the outdoors.
Representative Daley commented that when times are good, this might bring in additional funding. His question is in these good times what will keep the DNR in its current lean and efficient state? Parks Director Ron Olson noted that the biggest park funding needs are infrastructure, and while they may restore some positions in the state trails program, there are no plans to do more than that. They will be held financially accountable.
Former NRC Commissioner and former State Representative Mary Brown read a letter of support from the Natural Resources Committee.
Tom Ferguson from Sunrise Side representing tourism interests in nine Michigan counties. Mr. Ferguson spoke about the critical connection between state parks, tourism, and Northern Michigan employment opportunities.
A representative of the Friends of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area spoke about the park, its events, and uses.
Representatives from County Road Association of Michigan and the Michigan Municpal League are opposing the bills based on constitutional grounds. Senator Birkholz noted that they have discussed this with legislative service bureau legal counsel, independent constitution experts, and the Attorney General’s office. Senator Birkholz noted that she feels this legislation is on “very safe, good, and solid legal ground.”
Representative Meadows said he did not see any constitutional issues. Prior to being elected, he worked formerly in the attorney general’s office.
Mary Pitcher from Benzie County and Citizen’s Committee spoke in favor of the bills, especially as they support increased tourism and local park development.
Dennis Muchmore from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) spoke in favor of this “forward looking” legislation. Mr. Muchmore is also a member of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. He spoke about the important of providing great public access to our parks — and this funding proposal does that.
Representative Meadows noted that without adequate funding for maintaining DNR state park infrastructure, the state may more liable for injuries and lawsuits.
Secretary of State are opposing the bills over their concerns for the budren it place on their offices, primarily with people asking questions about the state parks. They said that it would be impossible to start on January 1st, 2010 because they do not have the funding to overhaul their computer system.
Senator Birkholz noted that this funding proposal does provide administrative funding for the Secretary of State.
The Michigan Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) spoke in support of the funding vision. The MRPA policy committee will be developing a more formal statement in the near future.
Representative Pavlov expressed his concern about the timing of this funding request given the economy.
A representative and equestrian from Friends of Fort Custer spoke in favor of the bills.
Chris Colt and Christoper Graham spoke in favor of the bills and having a sustainable funding source for our state parks. Both represent the Michigan Environmental Council. Mr. Graham invoked the names of P.J. Hoffmaster and Geneviette Gillette, the two figures who dedicated their lives to creating the Michigan State Parks we enjoy today.
Mr. Colt noted that is it during these times it’s critical that we have a place for Michigan citizen’s “to take off the burdens of our every day lives and get back in touch with our families and ourselves.”
Representative Warren said they were “overwhelmed” with the positive media response and the number of individuals speaking in support of this proposed legislation.
Given the turnout, not everyone was able to speak. Additional hearings will be held.
Tags: funding, Recreation Passport
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