This week Mass Audubon attended the launch of the FY2018 Green Budget, an annual report by our colleagues at the Environmental League of Massachusetts. Mass Audubon continues to support its recommendations for 1% of the state operating budget to support environmental programs and agencies – a goal Governor Baker committed to during his campaign.
As the Massachusetts Senate hosts their “Commonwealth Conversations” series around the state to hear from constituents about their priorities, let’s make sure conservation is part of the conversation! We encourage you to attend a session and let Senators know the Green Budget is a priority for you. One penny of every state operating dollar is not too much to ask to fund environmental protection and our state parks! Currently, only half a penny of every dollar is going to support environmental agencies. Agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Conservation and Recreation have taken especially big hits in recent years.
To learn more about this topic, check out Jack Clarke’s recent Op Ed on the importance of budgeting 1% for nature.
Green Budget report launch event at the Massachusetts State House. Photo credit: Environmental League of Massachusetts