Action Alert: Save the Funding for GO FISH GEORGIA

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Save the Funding for GO FISH GEORGIA You can take action on this alert by reading the information below and following the directions at the bottom. General Assembly Appropriations Committee Members indicate they will re-direct fishermen funding!!! Immediate action is needed to prevent the House Appropriations Subcommittee members from removing the Governor’s recommended $13 million in this year’s supplemental budget for GO FISH GEORGIA. GO FISH GEORGIA is the largest undertaking on behalf of Georgia’s anglers in the history of Georgia. GO FISH GEORGIA is a DNR project that will make Georgia a WORLD CLASS FISHING DESTINATION and INCREASE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY! This is the largest DNR effort on behalf of fishermen to date, and our best opportunity to recruit young fishermen, children and future generation to our fishing tradition. Governor Perdue recommends that GO FISH GEORGIA receive a total of $19 million dollars -- $13 million this year in the supplemental budget and $6 million in next year’s general fund. Several legislators reportedly want to remove the Governor’s recommended funding for this important fishermen’s program. ACT NOW! CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS AND THE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WITH THE ACTION MESSAGE BELOW: Your message will be sent to each of the following targets: Representative Don L. Parsons Your State Representative Your State Senator A sample message appears below, which you may edit before sending. Save the Funding for Go Fish Georgia Dear Representative Parsons, I am a Georgia sportsman who enjoys fishing with my family and friends. GO FISH GEORGIA is a program that will enhance fishing opportunities throughout Georgia and create strong economic opportunity for thousands of Georgians. I strongly urge you to contact the House General Government Subcommittee on Appropriations for Natural Resources and ask them to keep intact the $13 million in the supplemental budget. One in every six Georgians fish –that’s 1.5 million anglers in our state. Freshwater fishing alone creates $1 billion output and over $500 million in retail sales. Fishing produces $19 million in state sales taxes and over 10,000 jobs, generating more than $15 million in state income taxes. Fishing pays for itself and more. Any investment to improve Georgia’s standing as a fishing destination will only enhance our economy and state revenues. The right to fish Constitutional Amendment passed by over 81%, meaning Georgians support fishing and I want you to support GO FISH GEORGIA! Georgia has missed out on fishing tournaments that produce upwards of $20 million per weekend event. Georgia ranks last behind AL, FL, TN and NC in fishing tournaments. While other states around Georgia are reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact, Georgia lags behind. GO FISH GEORGIA will put Georgia ahead of other states, improve fishing, improve fishing access and promote fishing as a family activity and economic development tool for all of Georgia. Fishing is a family tradition, providing quality time for families, outdoor education to thousands of children, creating an awareness and appreciation for the outdoors and, at the end of the day, providing a nutritious meal. As a Georgia fisherman, I respectfully request you support and maintain the $13 Million recommended by the Governor in the DNR supplemental budget for GO FISH GEORGIA. SUPPORT GEORGIA FISHING: FULLY FUND GO FISH GEORGIA. Thank you for your public service to our district and the State of Georgia. Sincerely, Your name and address here This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.

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