Cube

Without getting overly political, it's time for all of us to decide what ALL of US want, from our government and our money. I think we can all agree that parks are good and good for us. Some of us hunt, some don't. Some hike, some bike, some RV and others go ultralight. It don't matter folks.. we need the parks to do what we love.

It may not be enough to just press for the release of funds. That money has been spent elsewhere for years.. and the politicos will not close the cigar bar in the capital lounge, they'll close some child care facility for indigent orphans with eczema.. and make a stink about it. So get ready for a fight, an ugly one. For me, government is not about social care, it is about opportunity. Parks provide lots and lots of opportunity, for ourselves and our state. It's belt tightening time.

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Hal Skaggs

Choderus

From the Dallas Morning News (Travel section) last month:

State Rep. Harvey Hilderbrand, R-Kerrville, has filed legislation that could double the amount of tax revenue Texas state parks receive from a sporting goods sales tax. In the 2008-09 biennium, the parks division of Texas Parks and Wildlife received $98.1 million from the sporting goods sales tax, about half the money generated by the sale of sporting goods.


Let's wish him luck!

baytownbert

I haven't looked into this, but this is not a tax increase, just more tax diollars funneled into the State park system? If so, I am for it. If it means more and higher taxes, I'm agin it.

I would like to see the campfire pits improved and the charcoal braziers enhnced so regardless of county burn bans, campers and picnicker can enjoy the park experience to the fullest, regardless fo burn bans.

Of course adding more trails in the large parks is a good idea also.

Choderus

I believe this is not an additional tax, but rather a freeing up of the revenue generated by the sporting goods tax currently in effect. Our esteemed elected officials capped the amount of money received by the Parks & Wildlife Department from this tax and the rest went into the (Black Hole) General Fund. This would divert the money back to the parks, where it was intended.

BTW, our Easter trip to Colorado Bend fell through so we went to Copper Breaks State Park again. There is currently no burn ban in effect there, which was a welcome surprise!