The Future of Texas State Parks? It’s All About the Money

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Diversion of state and federal money has been the ruin of TPWD for year now.

When and where will it stop?

And here’s why he thinks that: Texas Parks and Wildlife is the only state agency with a dedicated sales tax. Under state law, a portion of the sales tax on sporting goods is meant to go for parks. But lawmakers consistently divert some of that money to balance the state budget.

“If you’re raising $260 million, and you’re using 25 percent of that for its intended purpose, and then you’re back-loading to certify the budget the balance of it — Well, then you’re leaving your parks out.”
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/11/25/the-future-of-texas-state-parks-its-all-about-the-money/

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1. Funding Woes Imperil Future of State Parks

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/11/26/future-of-state-parks-beset-by-funding-concerns/?utm_source=texastribune.org&utm_medium=alerts&utm_campaign=News%20Alert:%20Subscriptions

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2. Rick Perry's Diverted money to fill the black hole

Pittman-Robertson Act: 70 years of conservation dollars

By Ralph Maughan On September 23, 2007 · 2 Comments · In Fish, Wildlife Habitat
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This tax on hunting equipment has provided $5-billion for conservation over the last 75 years. It has done a lot of good, but it also ties the USFWS to”game” wildlife rather than wildlife in general. Regardless of your view, every conservationist should know about Pittman-Robertson and the related Dingell-Johnson Act (Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act) which is funded by a tax on sports fisheries equipment.

Story. Pittman-Robertson Act: 70 years of conservation dollars. Since 1939, taxes on archery, shooting and hunting equipment have meant nearly $5 billion for
http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2007/09/23/pittman-robertson-act-70-years-of-conservation-dollars/

[Ilsa]

3. Destroying public parks is another way

The gop sticks it to poor people who don't have money for private entertainment and big vacations.