Please Cosponsor Rep. Ciccolo’s Amendment 1141 to the House Ways & Means budget

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to cosponsor and support the adoption of Representative Michelle Ciccolo’s Amendment 1141 to the House Ways & Means budget. This amendment would fund the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Parks and Recreation Operations line item (2810-0100) at $115,044,560—a $5 million increase over the current fiscal year, representing a modest 1.5 percent increase when adjusted for inflation. Given that Massachusetts’ inflation rate for 2024 is 3.0 percent, the increases proposed by both the Administration (2.2 percent) and the House Ways & Means Committee (2.0 percent) actually amount to a reduction in real funding for this critical line item. Amendment 1141 is necessary to ensure that DCR can maintain and build upon the progress it has made over the past two budget years. Our state parks and recreational spaces are vital public resources that support the well-being of our communities and the health of our environment. Adequate funding is essential for DCR to continue its important work. I respectfully ask you to cosponsor and support Amendment 1141 so that DCR can continue serving Massachusetts residents effectively. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.