Florida Forever in Jeopardy

From: "William Lorenzen" <William.Lorenzen@tpl.org> Date: April 10, 2009 11:42:06 AM EDT Subject: Zero Funding to Match ELAPP /FL Legislature Killing Florida Forever by Eliminating All Funds - Call to Action Hello Friends of ELAPP and Florida Forever, Most the conservation land that Hillsborough County*s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program [ELAPP] has purchased has been matched at about a 50% contribution rate by the State*s Florida Forever program.  This has allowed our local ELAPP dollars to go twice as far toward preserving so many special places right here in our own backyard. Currently the Florida Senate and House of Representatives are essentially eliminating Florida Forever.  The current state budget drafts includes absolutely ZERO funding for Florida Forever.  If history is any guide programs that are zeroed out in a given year do not reemerge in future budgets. Please contact your Florida Senate and House Representatives and respectfully request that the Florida Forever Program be fully funded. Note: You may have heard that Governor Crist supports Florida Forever and vetoed the defunding of Florida Forever.  This is true of the current budget that ends June 30.  However the legislature is currently working on the next budget.  If a program is never allotted any funding the Governor is powerless to use the veto pen related to an item that has not been appropriated any funding. Local representatives can be found at: www.flsenate.gov  and   www.myfloridahouse.gov  Key legislators that need to hear from us are: Senate President Jeff Atwater, 850-487-5100, atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov  Senator JD Alexander, 850-487-5044, alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov  Senator Jim King, Jr., 850-487-5030, king.james.web@flsenate.gov  Senator Ken Pruitt, 850-487-5088, pruitt.ken.web@flsenate.gov  Senator Lee Constantine 850-487-5050, constantine.lee.web@flsenate.gov House Speaker Larry Cretul, 850-488-1450, larry.cretul@myfloridahouse.gov  Representative Dean Cannon, 850-488-2742, dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov  Representative Ralph Poppell, 850-488-3006, RALPH.POPPELL@myfloridahouse.gov  Representative Marcelo Llorente, 850-488-5047, marcelo.llorente@myfloridahouse.gov  Remember, this is a non-partisan issue.  We need to be respectful but assertive with our communications.  Our legislators are facing tough choices, but total elimination is not equitable.  Other programs are facing cuts, but are not being eliminated. Please see the attached press release showing statewide voter support for Florida Forever Thanks. William Lorenzen