Each year, the demands being placed upon the DNR are increasing but the financial support does not stay abreast.  Recently, you received correspondence from our Association asking your support for a Legislative Bill that would increase the amount of money the Department of Natural Resources would receive from the General Purpose Revenue.  I would like to bring you up to date with the progress of this bill, Senate Bill 244.

Senate Bill 244 (which is currently being revised) requests that 1/15th of one percent of the CURRENT State Sales Tax be given to the DNR Conservation Fund.  This will reduce the financial burden on recreationalists, snowmobilers, hunters, fisher persons and etc. to maintain Wisconsin's outdoor recreational areas and resources.

On September 29, 1999, the Agriculture, Environmental Resources and Campaign Finance Committee held a hearing regarding SB 244.  Thirteen members of our Association attended the hearing, along with nineteen persons from various organizations.  Of those in attendance, thirteen spoke in favor; fourteen registered in favor but did not speak; one spoke against; one registered in opposition but did not speak and the remaining three attended for information only.

In the November 1998 publication, "Preserving Wisconsin's Outdoor Legacy," William J. Vander Zouwen comments on the recent Legislative Audit Bureau report on the DNR's Fish and Wildlife Account.

"The audit report found that the GPR (General Purpose Revenue) supports only 5.6% of fhish and wildlife programs across the WDNR (excluding large capital projects)."

SB 244 was recently passed by the Senate Committee.  It now moves on for consideration and review by the Joint Finance Committee.  If any of your Senators or Assembly persons are on this committee, PLEASE ask your club members to immediately contact them (use the link to see who they are) and ask they approve SB 244.  Your calls and letters are vital to the outcome of this bill.

We expect that early next year this bill will receive consideration by the Wisconsin State Senate.  A rally in Madison is being planned for when it reaches the Senate floor and we will notify you of this date so that hopefully you will be able to have some of your members attend and show your support.