[Justin]

On Friday, 05/22, this bill was addressed as Emergency Certification

H.B. No. 6719 AN ACT CONCERNING STATE DEFICIT MITIGATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2009. It Sweeps most Special Funds into the General Fund in an attempt to balance this year’s budget. See Sec.3 (25) – (33).

Our Position- Environmental Conservation (EC) Fund:

Sportsmen for 100 years have paid State fees for their participation in Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Programs. In addition, Federal 10% Excise Taxes (Pittman/Robertson; Wallop/Breaux) are paid on purchases of firearms, ammunition, bowhunting equipment, some boats and motors, and other accessories for over half a century. In effect, sportsmen have not only been conservation (wise use) stewards of natural resources - our user fees have contributed overwhelmingly to support DEP programs.

Since the 1990's when the EC Fund was established, in addition to increased license fees, sportsmen have initiated/supported the use of a Special Fund User Fee (Motor Boat Fuel Tax) to support Natural Resources. The argument for these fees was that Boats/Fishermen do not use Roads and Bridges to which the revenue was dedicated. It should be noted that ONLY that fuel delivered at marinas is dedicated to the Fund, boaters purchasing at roadside gas stations are not considered.

Previously (1981), the Boating Special Fund had been established. This statute is essentially Registration in Lieu of Taxes. The Boating Fund has used this revenue to establish a standardized Boating Registration system, mandatory Boating Education, and improve Boat Launch Ramps. All agencies and users participating have been complimentary and supportive.

These funds and others Special Funds were initiated to compensate for continued minimal and inadequate General Funding (GF). A Legislative leadership statement of the lack of General Fund support for DEP programs was evidenced in 2008 in a Press Conference during which Senator Donald Williams stated: DEP has not been adequately funded for the last 30 years. The GF history for DEP has been abysmal and DEP is apparently considered to be at the bottom of appropriations priorities by the administration/ legislators and strongly perceived as so by sportsmen.

Sportsmen are convinced these Special Funds have saved and benefited many DEP programs and the revenues have been wisely and efficiently used.

This year's proposed budget proposes to eliminate ALL Special Funding currently in the EC fund and sweep all carry-over money into the GF. Only licenses would be exempt and only those new or license increases dating from 1992. Section 22a-27h established the EC Fund (1991) and added to the GF all current license fees and only allowed (A) the amount of any fee received by the Department of Environmental Protection which is attributable to the establishment of a new fee or the increase of an existing fee pursuant to the provisions of title 23 or 26 to be directed to the EC Fund. Additionally many Natural Resources GF positions were cut in 1991 and replacement positions were expected to be paid by the EC Fund. This Act seriously affected DEP manpower and operations - most called it a "rip-off' by the Weicker Administration to balance the budget.

Since then we have had two license fee increases (1992, 2002) and passed the Motorboat Fuel Tax bill generating over the years $250,000 to $3.2 million of the approximately $5 million attributable to this tax, which undoubtedly saved essential DEP manpower/programs.

This year's budget, as best we can tell, again proposes to reverse the 1991 funding scheme and return DEP to total General Funding. For what purpose? Attempt to balance the State Budget. Again positions will be lost due to early retirement legislation and with no immediate refills. Much of the leadership of Natural Resources Bureau will be lost, Park positions and EC Park funding, almost 20% of DEP Environmental Police, and others. And, again sportsmen are being asked to support new fee increases. How will DEP fare with General Funding decided by Administration's Office of Policy and Management (OPM) or the General Assembly Appropriations Committee? The experience of the last 30 years tells the story- expect little!

Unlike most other funds in the state, the EC Fund applies to recreational opportunity activities for the entire public and visitors. Once the EC Fund is absorbed into the GF, based upon previous experience DEP and all its elements are an easy target when further cuts are needed. What happens when a major pump or filter quits at a hatchery – can we expect an immediate response to save tens of thousands of fish? Or when a storm destroys a boat launch ramp? Does the public have to wait an indeterminate period on the legislative process or Bonding? All DEP elements - Fisheries, Wildlife, Boating and particularly Parks will be shortchanged as they have for decades and the public suffers. The EC fund has worked effectively and must continue to provide flexibility to DEP operations.

Sportsmen developed a "user fee" support base knowing dedicated revenue collected will be directed toward effective DEP conservation programs. Cooperation/coordination between user groups (Conservation Advisory Council, Fisheries Advisory Council, and Boating Advisory Council) and DEP have demonstrated user input will be seriously considered by DEP and actively implemented. Conversely, political funding evaluations, prioritizing mainly social programs and an always questionable priority for adequate DEP appropriations and positions, will assuredly detract from the support/input from the involved outdoor recreational constituency.

Our solutions:

· Retain the Environmental Conservation Fund and Special Funding (Motorboat Fuel Tax, Boating Fund, Parks input, and all others).

· Change as many positions to General Funded without eliminating EC Fund Special Funding.

· Provide DEP with a funding priority consistent with their benefit to the general public, tourism, and the economy.

Based upon passage of the Deficit Mitigation bill, it would appear DEP has lost Special Funding. The new budget (FY 2010-2011) is still to be completed and potentially we may have a chance to save some Special Funding. We urge you to call, e-mail, etc., YOUR legislators.

Communicate with YOUR State Representative & Senator!

You can find your CT legislators at http://www.cga.ct.gov/maps/townlist.asp or in the Blue pages under “Connecticut, State of” then “Legislators”. Also, inform your friends who have an interest. Ask them to communicate.

While we urge you to use your own words, use the KISS principle, and please…do not be insulting or negative towards Any Senator, Representative, or anyone else in the Capitol.

Phone CALLS are BEST! Identify yourself and Town, State your position and why you Support or Oppose the bill. Be Brief, if they have questions they will ask.

Review all current bills and other info at the CCS website www.ctsportsmen.com