Over 300 Arizonas voiced their support for the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund using the Legislature’s Request to Speak System. Hundreds more called or emailed their legislators and the Governor’s Office. And letters of support have been sent like the one just received from the Nationa Trust for Historic Presesrvation, the privately-funded nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to save America’s historic places. Click here to read the letter of support.
But we still need to take action. Both Senate Bill 1241 and House Bill 2701 are stuck at the Capitol.
Senate Bill 1241 (state parks; heritage fund), sponsored by Senator Kate Brophy McGee, puts the State Parks Heritage Fund back into statute. While there is are no dedicated funds attached to this bill, when Lottery encumbrances are repaid and removed, the Fund will receive its annual $10 million from the Lottery as originally enacted. In the meantime, the bill opens the door for grants, donations, and direct appropriations. This bill flew through committees of both chambers and the full Senate with a vote of 30-0. It is now stuck in the House Rules Committee. WHAT YOU CAN DO. Contact House Rules Committee Chair Anthony Kern by email or 602-926-3102 or Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers by email or 602-926-3128 to request SB1241 be moved through the Rules Committee to let House members debate, consider, and vote.