Wednesday, February 3, 2010

NRPA - President Budget Alert

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) just posted this information....

www.nrpa.org

Yesterday, President Obama released his proposed $3.8 trillion budget for FY 2011, which included increased funding for several programs of interest to parks and recreation agencies. Most notably, the President's budget calls for $434 million in funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), with $50 million for the Stateside Program. The President's Budget also calls for several new programs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development that hold promise for parks and recreation. To view the budget analysis, click here.

NRPA is thrilled that the Obama Administration recognizes the importance of parks and recreation and is moving toward a renewed investment in this area. However, the fight continues as we try to convince Congress that more funding is needed to try and offset the billions of dollars in unmet needs currently experienced by states and localities across the country. Agencies across the U.S. are struggling to provide essential services necessary for community stability and health.

Our membership is the largest collection of parks and recreation professionals, students, and citizens in the nation. By advocating together, we can collectively send messages to the Administration that communicate how vital parks and recreation are to the American public and influence the Administration's further support. While the President's budget signals a renewed interest in parks and recreation, it is only a proposal, and Congress has the responsibility of determining funding amounts. Now more than ever, we need park and recreation advocates to attend the Legislative Forum. It is your voice that will help shape our future.

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