Comments on RAMBLING: A Letter To Our Representatives RE: State Park Clo...

Great letter Rebecca. I like your idea of increasi...

2009-06-03T13:26:16.327-07:00

Great letter Rebecca. I like your idea of increasing state vehicle licence fees, and making park access free for residents. This type of solution has worked in other states, and will work here. Our state parks represent irreplaceable values. Not to mention over 100 years of stewardship, preservation, and conservation. Closing the parks would be like a family abandoning their children.

Hi Mr. Goad, Unfortunately, California's sales tax...

2009-06-02T11:09:16.725-07:00

Hi Mr. Goad,
Unfortunately, California's sales tax was just temporarily increased and our counties have some of the highest sales tax rates in the country. Californians just voted down extending that sales tax increase for another couple of years to get us out of our current budget crises. It's not a popular idea here and wouldn't fly. In California tax increases have to pass by a 2/3 majority not a simple majority and Republican legislators have sworn not to vote for any more tax increases.

Funding for our state parks in Arkansas is protect...

2009-06-02T02:14:35.123-07:00

Funding for our state parks in Arkansas is protected by the state's constitution. A 1/8 cent sales tax provides funding for recreation and conservation. It was implemented after the voters approved it as part of a constitutional amendment over 15 years ago.

While other state parks are in decline, ours are thriving.

Mike Goad
At home in Arkansas after a 4 week trip to the Atlantic and back.
Haw Creek Out 'n About