The River Current ~ October 16, 2008 ~ Issue 78

The e-newsletter of the Charles River Watershed Association
...bringing our backyard river to your door...

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In this issue

1. Governor’s budget cuts impact the environment
2. Question 1:  Vote No
3. Streamer newsletter online

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1) Governor’s budget cuts impact the environment

As you have no doubt heard, Governor Patrick has initiated dramatic cuts in the state budget in response to the current economic crisis. CRWA was among a group of environmental organizations briefed last night by Secretary Ian Bowles on the specifics of the cuts, and we have been working today to understand their impacts.  

The total state budget cuts equal more than $1 billion, which will include 1000 job losses. For detailed information by state budget line item, go to
http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2009/app_09/sect_09/h200.htm

Because the Governor has chosen a selective cutting approach, rather than an “across the board” cut, some programs and agencies will be hit especially hard.  Unfortunately, the environment is among the hardest hit in these cuts. 

Environmental agencies are being cut by $17.7 million from their original $230 million, a reduction of over 7%.  Of the cuts to environmental agencies, $8 million are earmarks; the remainder will impact core services and programs.

Cuts have been made by agency as follows:
Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs:            $2.8 million (11%)
Department of Environmental Protection:               $3.3 million (5%)
Department of Fish and Game:                                $2.0 million (9%)
Department of Agricultural Resources:                   $1.1 million (5%)
Department of Conservation and Recreation:       $8.3 million (8%)

CRWA will be watching particularly closely the impact of the cuts to DEP and DCR, especially their stormwater programs, and the DCR’s Office of Dam Safety. Cuts in infrastructure programs can have major long-term consequences, as we know from our current bridge and road crisis.

2) Question 1:  Vote No

On November 4, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to repeal the state income tax.  CRWA urges you to vote No on this important question, and we hope you will ask your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

The $1 billion in budget cuts announced last night - which will result in job losses and reductions in basic state services - are dwarfed by the estimated $12 billion of state revenues that would be lost with the passage of question 1 (equivalent to about 40% of the state budget).  We are already losing many of the gains in environmental spending we have worked so hard for over the past several years, and repealing the state income tax would compound those losses.

For more information on the negative consequences of repealing the state income tax, visit the website of the non-partisan Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation:  http://www.masstaxpayers.org/

3) Streamer newsletter online
The latest version of CRWA's quarterly newsletter, the Streamer, is now available online in PDF form. This newsletter features CRWA's 'Blue Cities' work to create sustainable urban communities through design and building that considers water a central concern. There's also a report on our partnership with musician Jack Johnson, and information about summer projects removing invasive species and restoring fish to the river.
Click here to view the latest Streamer!