ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING NEEDS YOUR PROTECTION NOW

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR VIA PHONE OR E-MAIL AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

*To find legislator phone numbers or e-mail addresses, visit the Iowa
General Assembly website at <http://www.legis.state.ia.us>.  Or call the
House switchboard at  (515)281.3221, and the Senate switchboard at
(515)281.3371 and they will connect you with your legislator.

Iowa's environmental resources need your help now.

The Iowa House of Representatives begins debate today on funding two key
environmental initiatives in Iowa.

Yesterday, the Senate passed SF 2304.  The proposed budget cuts to the
Environment First Fund and the Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP)
fund are too steep.

The Senate budget cuts nearly $3 million from the Environment First Fund.
Such a cut could cripple key efforts in Iowa-including flood control
projects, soil and water conservation projects, brownfield redevelopment,
and the Loess Hills Alliance.

Of particular concern is the proposed $500,000 cut to Water Monitoring.  The
program suffered a 20% cut in last year's funding, and the 25% cut proposed
by the Senate threatens the viability of the program.  Without monitoring,
Iowa becomes blind to water quality problems and solutions

The proposed $2.8 million cut to the REAP fund represents a nearly 30%
shortfall in the mandated funding level for that program.  The visionary
REAP fund produces significant environmental, cultural, and economic
benefits.

In these times of economic stress, state spending needs to be evaluated
closely.  However, disproportionately large cuts should not be made in
environmental funds that leverage federal dollars.  These programs that have
a successful record improving Iowa's long-term environmental, cultural, and
economic development resources/

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