(For full report click here http://fl.audubonaction.org/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=62722&em_id=50641.0&pgwrap=n)

From the Audubon Florida Advocate

Make your voice heard. Tell the Florida Legislature that Amendment 1 calls for renewed state spending on water and land conservation.

 The Senate Environmental Preservation & Conservation committee met on Wednesday, January 7 before a standing room only crowd and heard a staff briefing on how to interpret the new language in the Constitution. Audubon’s Eric Draper was called upon to speak immediately following the staff presentation. Eric presented a consensus recommendation for the first year of funding which was the compilation of the key environmental groups that worked to assure the passage of Amendment 1. The intent of the Amendment, as ratified by an overwhelming majority of Florida voters, is to restore spending for the long-standing programs already authorized in Florida statutes. It was drafted so implementing legislation is not required and the constitutional mandate can be met by restoring and enhancing funding to existing water and land conservation programs.

Chairman Charlie Dean (R-Inverness) stressed that all comments and suggestions were welcome from the public regarding how best to proceed, to be gathered before the next round of committee meetings which will occur January 20-23. To submit a comment to the Committee, click here:

http://www.flsenate.gov/media/topics/wlc

Items to consider before you submit your comments:

• The amendment language is clear and was drawn from existing statutes governing conservation.
• Protecting conservation lands is essential to protecting our water resources. We must protect our waters at the source.
• While wastewater and water supply infrastructure are important, there are other sources of funding that would be more appropriate than Amendment 1.
• Amendment 1 allocates less than 1% of the state’s total budget to fund existing conservation programs.
• The Everglades supplies drinking water to 7 million Floridians and provides a return of $4 for every $1 spent on restoration.