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Partners for Parks and Wildlife
On July 22, Illinois’ natural resources took center
stage across the state as a coalition of local conservation groups,
outdoor enthusiasts and parks and forest preserve officials held
simultaneous press conferences to protest $14 million in cuts to the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) budget.
On August 14th from 11:00 AM to 2:00
PM, we will meet at Starved Rock State Park (www.starvedrockstatepark.org)
to discuss our next steps in responding to the $14 million in cuts to
IDNR and the layoffs that are currently under way. The agenda will
include:
 | An update on the status of cuts, |
| A discussion on how the cuts will further
affect Illinois’ ability to maintain and enhance our outdoor
resources, and |
| Determine what actions we need to take over
the rest of the summer and during veto session in November. |
The $14 million in
cuts will affect 163 critical staff positions across 8 divisions at IDNR.
Cuts include:
|
|
Cut in
Personnel (GRF) |
Total
Personnel Cut |
|
Office of
Realty and Environ. Planning |
$960,000
(51%) |
40% |
|
Business
Services |
$227,900
(25%) |
9% |
|
Public
Services |
$113,000
(25%) |
7% |
|
Office of
Resource Conservation |
$960,000
(43%) |
7% |
|
Office of
Law Enforcement |
$781,700
(12%) |
6% |
|
Office of
Land Management |
$3,190,000(22%) |
13% |
|
Office of
Mines and Minerals |
$633,000
(25%) |
10% |
|
Office of
Water Resources |
$831,700
(21%) |
19% |
|
Illinois
State Museum |
$484,700
(14%) |
14% |
|
Wildlife
Prairie Park (Peoria) |
All
funding eliminated |
|
On July 22nd, 29 organizations spoke at
5 press events in North, Central and Southern Illinois. Groups ranging
from Conservation Police to Hiking Clubs to Waterway Agencies came
together to stand up for Illinois’ environment and demand the Governor
and Legislature delay these cuts and resolve the issue in veto session.
For a list of participating organizations, visit
http://ilenviro.org/news/index.php?item=110 .
The story struck a chord with reporters throughout
Illinois, and more than 30 TV, radio and print outlets covered it. For
links to the stories, visit
http://ilenviro.org/inthenews/ .
Please contact the
IEC office to confirm your attendance. Contact John Gaudette at
773.252.5955 or email to
jgaudette@ilenviro.org.
We look forward to
seeing everyone on the 14th. Please feel free to invite
organizations that you feel will help us shape our strategy for the
remainder of 2008.
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Environmental
Defenders of McHenry County