House proposed FY 2021 budget is good news for parks and people
Doug Pizzi | November 6, 2020
On Nov. 5th, the Massachusetts House Ways & Means Committee released its budget for the remainder of FY 2021, and its good news for Massachusetts residents and visitors who use the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parks, forests, other facilities, and infrastructure. Thanks for joining us, signing our petition and contacting legislators. Ways & Means has recognized DCR facilities as essential for our collective physical and mental health.
The Baker Administration, prior to the pandemic, sought to level fund DCR’s Parks and Recreation Operations Account (2810-0100), which, due to inflation would have actually been a cut. During the pandemic, Governor Charlie Baker offered a $400,000 increase in this account. We are pleased to announce that with your help for our advocacy, Ways & Means is seeking a $2.3 million increase over FY 2020 in that account, funding it at $50 million.
Also, Ways & Means is joining the Baker Administration in taking a more realistic approach toward DCR’s Retained Revenue Account (2810-2042). Retained Revenue is money DCR receives from user fees, leases, and other income. MCV has been increasingly concerned with unwarranted pressure on DCR to raise outside revenue to fund regular operations instead of using tax dollars, which can price low- and moderate-income people out of our wonderful, essential park system.
Ways & Means has proposed capping Retained Revenue at $21.3 million. That is down from the Baker Administration’s pre-pandemic figure of $25.8 million, which itself was an $800,000 increase over FY 2020, and in line with Governor Charlie Baker’s pandemic revised figure.
MCV would like to thank House Ways and Means Chair Aaron M. Michlewitz and committee members for recognizing the essential nature of our outdoor spaces. In his budget introductory letter, he wrote, “The Committee’s budget makes investments in environmental programs, understanding the role they play in protecting public health…and reflects the increased usage of our parks during the pandemic.”
MCV will continue to stay engaged in this process as it moves through the House and Senate and finally the Baker Administration for final approval. We ask you to stay engaged as well, through MCV and through your own legislators. The park you save may be your own.
Doug Pizzi is the executive director of Massachusetts Conservation Voters