The budget debate is heating up…and the future of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is uncertain.
While it is hard to predict how debates will actually unfold, one thing is for sure: It is time to speak up again for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The message is simple. Renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for 10 years.
Remind me, what is the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program?
The Stewardship Program provides grants for nonprofit conservation groups, cities, and the state to purchase land for conservation. Knowles-Nelson also provides funds for the boat launches, trails, and campgrounds that make it possible for us to get out and enjoy wild places in Wisconsin.
Since 1989, Knowles-Nelson has been a bipartisan success story, proving that clean water, habitat for wildlife, and the land to support Wisconsin’s way of life are things we can all agree on.
What’s the threat?
If the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is not renewed as part of the state budget being debated right now, we’ll lose Wisconsin’s best source of funding for land and water conservation. Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget only calls for a two-year extension of the Stewardship Program, a far cry from the 10-year reauthorizations the legislature has approved in the past. To make matters worse, the legislature and the Governor are at odds over nearly every item in the budget.
We need our senators, assembly representatives, and the Governor to know that Wisconsinites care about protecting land and water.
Here’s a timeline for action.
February
Governor Evers revealed his draft state budget proposal in late February. His starting point for land and water protection is very disappointing ($33 million per year for two more years). This falls far short of the amount and length of time needed.
April
The Joint Finance Committee, a 16-member committee made up of senators and assembly reps from both parties, will review and revise the Governor’s proposed budget. As part of this process, the Committee will hold public hearings throughout the month of April:
- Friday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Pontiac Convention Center 2809 North Pontiac Drive Janesville, WI 53545
- Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Oak Creek Community Center 8580 South Howell Avenue Oak Creek, WI 53154
- Monday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Center – Riverview Ballroom #260 500 Wild Rose Avenue River Falls, WI 54022
- Wednesday, April 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay University Union – Phoenix Rooms 2430 Campus Court Green Bay, WI 54311
Note: View the official list at http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/raw/cid/1490347
Throughout the month of April, it is critical that members of the legislature receive as many letters and calls as possible. Here are the ways you can reach them:
- Attend a hearing. You and other members of the public are allowed (and encouraged!) to attend any of these hearings, to share your state budget concerns and priorities.
- Email and call. This is quick, simple, and effective. It is critical that members of the legislature receive as many letters and calls as possible throughout April.
- Attend a listening session. Many individual legislators are holding budget “listening sessions” or “office hours” at various public locations in their districts. They use these sessions to gather input on the proposed budget from their constituents. Check your local newspapers or your legislators’ e-newsletter or website to find the dates, times, and locations.
May & June
The Joint Finance Committee will begin a series of “executive sessions” during the months of May and June. During these executive sessions, the Committee will work through the budget line by line. We do not yet know when the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program will come up for debate, but we will let you know as soon as we hear. That will be another important time to reach out to the Committee.
Then (likely in mid to late June), the Committee will pass their revised version of the budget to the entire legislature (both Senate and Assembly). They will debate and eventually vote on the budget (likely by the end of June). At that time, we will need another big show of support from you for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
What if I’ve already written and called my elected officials?
Please reach out again! We really appreciate the support you have already given to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, and it’s so important that your elected officials continue to hear from you.
Renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for 10 years because protecting clean water, natural lands, and habitat for wildlife are key to Wisconsin’s way of life.
If we all speak up, together we’ll ensure that our best conservation program keeps working to protect Wisconsin’s land and water.
