TN Budget Cuts: $1 Billion (continued)

The TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation presented its budget proposal yesterday as Gov. Haslam continues to plan for the state's 2011-12 budget under a $1 billion+ deficit.
TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau noted a UT study of state parks that found they provide $1.5 billion in total industry output and 18,600 jobs. For every dollar allocated, more than $17 is generated back into the economy. While the jobs and economic output created by the department is much-needed, it has lost $14 million in state appropriations over the last three years (that's $238 million NOT generated back into the economy), and eliminated 300 jobs as a result.
Yesterday's presentation indicated additional cuts in 2011-12 would eliminate 10% of job positions in groundwater protection - The Division of Ground Water Protection's duty is to regulate onsite wastewater disposal in a manner that is protective of the ground water of Tennessee and in such a way as to minimize the possibility of endangering the health and welfare of the public. The presentation also indicated budget cuts would also lead to closing of state parks and public pools, and an inability to maintain existing structures in state parks, some which are historic and could endanger park visitors if not properly maintained.
Let your representatives know we can't afford to lose more state jobs and the economic stimulus our state parks provide!
Go here and copy and paste the following into the message box - or write your own message asking for REVENUE, NOT CUTS:
"As Gov. Haslam hears departmental presentations on the 2011-12 Tennessee state budget, I urge you to consider revenue-generating measures to avoid further cuts and jobs losses that will harm the state's economy and its residents. Tennesseans for Fair Taxation has solutions that could provide 2/3 of Tennesseans a tax cut while generating $1 billion in additional revenue for the state. Please support the Out-of-State Sales Tax bill, the Tennessee Small Business Protection bill, the Tax Cut and Job Creation bill, and the Single Article Cap Removal bill to provide Tennessee the revenue it sorely needs to invest in our communities and protect our residents. Thank you."