Save The Parks

Our State Parks were being threatened by budget cuts. We reminded those in office that we use these parks AND we VOTE! They heard our voice but it is not over. We need to keep reminding them, so some permanent solution can be devised. They robbed the funds from the EPF this time, but what about next year?
So email, call and visit your Assembly Member, State Senator and Governor and remind them.

Here is a link to the Parks and Trails Advocacy Group that will take you through the process. Follow the heading to Speak Out.

Here is a link to State Senator Brian X. Foley's petition to protect Long Island State Parks

Take a minute and take action. If you do nothing, don’t complain about the results later.





SADDLE UP - SAVE OUR PARKS - RALLY TRAILS


Tom Mele and Cavalier and Associates sponsored a pre-rally organizational meeting March 26 at the Holiday Inn, Veterans Hwy, Ronkonkoma'
Pictures from the event


The IHA joined with Long Island EPF (Environmental Protection Fund) Advocates on a bus trip to Albany, Wednesday, March 24th

IHA Board Member Carole and Webmaster Lou went with the EPF Advocates. When the bus was about 15 minutes out, we received a call that Senator Sampson was about to hold a news conference on the parks remaining open and would like the advocates there. Since we were already going 70+, the bus driver went to "Ludicrous Speed" (Spaceballs) and we made it.
When we were in the holding room, someone asked who we represented and we told them Islip Horsemen's Association. That resulted in the Senator giving us credit for being advocates and thanking us during his televised press conference speech.
Senator Sampson's Speech
Video of Senator Sampson's Speech. He mentions IHA right at the end!
Cool stuff, the conference was televised and we were in the room, but one thing he said that was interesting was his office received more calls and letters on keeping the parks open then health care and education combined! As the conference went on, more senators joined in, including Brian Foley.
That shows the power of the calls and letters. We had two lobbyists with us and on the return trip, I asked one about the Assembly, he said that Assembly Person Englebright has the votes he needs, so in his opinion it is a done deal, but we should not let up.
We did meet with several senators and their aides, and I presented each one with copies of the signed petitions from swap night.
Thanks to all who signed, it DOES count!

UPDATE
NYS Parks… It's not over yet
I was able to travel to Albany on March 24 with our Webmaster Lou and a busload of people from the Environmental Protection Fund and other like-minded organizations. We got there in time to hear Senator Sampson's press conference announcing that the Senate's version of the budget had restored full funding to the state parks.
After floating along on that high for a while, we realized that the Assembly still had to present their version, the two had to be reconciled, and the governor still had to sign. We cannot let up our pressure. As we trotted around from Senator to Senator that day, we learned that they had received more input from the parks closing than from all the other issues combined! Your voice counts and it makes a difference. If you have already contacted your representatives, please do so again. Thank them for their support and urge them to keep it up until a budget that has restored funding is passed and signed. This needs to be a bi-partisan effort. Remind them that we use the parks, and we vote.
Even if you do not ride in the parks, they are there to enrich your life in many other ways. The activities they promote help support our local businesses, including our tack shops.
Since our membership covers the entire Island, and even Manhattan, I can't list all our legislators. But I do have a site for each House of the Legislature that will help you find your Senators and Assemblypersons and give you contact information. Watch for the "Contact" button, which will take you to an e-mail site. It will only take a few minutes to do each one, and it will make a huge impact.
State Senate
State Assembly
Please take the time to do this. Carole


A rally was held Friday March 5th 2010 Rescuing Long Island: The Environmental Protection Fund
Special Rally for the Long Island Delegation to the New York State Legislature
The rally was a great success. Check out the new ad campaigh and the YouTube video of the rally's pictures.
Download The Rally's Brochure
Download The New Ad Campaign
Pictures from the Rally

Many statewide organizations, with help from local groups like the North Shore Land Alliance, have sponsored an Albany-centered advertising campaign themed "We Love Healthy New York".  You can e-mail your state elected officials through that website to ask them to restore funding to the EPF by clicking here.  For more information about the campaign for the EPF please click here.

You and/or your organization can send a letter.  A sample letter prepared by the Long Island Pine Barrens Society is linked here. Remember to personalize this letter with your organization's name and EPF projects that have been funded in your area. And, as always, hand-written letters are the best!  For a complete listing of EPF projects in Nassau County click here and in Suffolk County click here.

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