Massachusetts State Reorganization

Call to Action for JULY 7, 2003!

We need veto overrides! 

Help keep the Metropolitan Parks System intact! 

Help restore funding for the Riverways Program, for recycling programs, and for Toxic Use Reduction!

On June 30th, Governor Romney vetoed several key items in the budget that stood to improve the quality of our rivers and parklands.  Now, the legislature needs to decide whether they will override those vetoes.  Please call your state representative and state senator TODAY and urge them to override these specific vetoes (to find your representative and senator, go to http://www.state.ma.us/legis/citytown.htm):

Parkland provisions (Line item 2000-0100), (Outside Section 248), and (Outside Section 627):  Romney's vetoes could reduce protection of the parkways that link the various elements of the metropolitan parks system.  These parkways are historic elements of the system, and should be preserved as such.  Control of these parkways must remain with EOEA, not given over to the Highway Department or another entity.

Riverways Program (Line item 2300-0101):  This program has been effective at working with watershed associations and other groups to promote protection of rivers and streams in the state.  By leveraging a very small state investment into a tremendous benefit for communities and citizens statewide, the Riverways Program outperforms many other more expensive state programs.

Recycling Programs (Line item 2010-0200):  Funding for state support of these programs is vital to their success.

Toxic Use Reduction Institute (Line item 7100-0300):  This institute at UMass has been effective and should be funded.

Click on one of the links below before contacting your State Senator or Representative to learn more about the vetoes and why you should contact them.

Details on Governor Romney's vetoes

CRWA's letter to legislators - for use as talking points

Find your state legislators here!