Oppose SB 1050: Protect State Parks Funding and Universal Access

I am writing to urge you to oppose Senate Bill 1050, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers, which is scheduled for consideration in the Senate Appropriations, Transportation & Technology Committee on Tuesday. While I respect our veterans' service, this bill would create significant financial strain on an already underfunded Arizona State Parks system and threaten accessibility for all residents. Arizona State Parks already offers substantial benefits to veterans, including a 50% discount for active-duty and retired military personnel, free admission for disabled veterans, and free admission for all veterans on Veterans Day. SB 1050 would dramatically expand these benefits by requiring lifetime free passes for all Arizona veterans, covering not just the veteran but all passengers in their vehicle at per-vehicle sites, or the veteran plus three additional people at per-person sites. The fiscal impact of this mandate remains unknown, yet the legislature cut the State Parks budget by $1.6 million last year, approximately 10% of the agency's total budget. These budget cuts have already forced consequences. Last year, State Parks raised fees substantially, with the cheapest annual pass jumping from $75 to $200, nearly tripling the cost for Arizona families. This 167% increase demonstrates the financial pressure the system faces. Adding a new unfunded mandate for free lifetime passes will either require further fee increases for everyone else or additional budget cuts that degrade park maintenance and services. Our state parks should remain accessible and affordable for all Arizona residents. Creating preferential free access for one group, however deserving, shifts costs onto other families and visitors who are also struggling with rising expenses. The current veteran benefits strike a reasonable balance between honoring military service and maintaining a sustainable parks system. I ask you to vote no on SB 1050 in committee. If the legislature wishes to expand veteran benefits, it should appropriate dedicated funding rather than imposing unfunded mandates that force parks to raise fees on everyone else.