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Urge Governor Kemp to Fully Fund Land Protection in Georgia

In 2018, more than 83 percent of Georgia voters supported the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act (GOSA), which dedicates a percentage of sales tax revenue from outdoor recreation equipment to fund land protection and park creation. GOSA is essential for our public lands, preserving nearly 72,000 acres of land with 74 projects across the state.

Unfortunately, GOSA contains a provision that cuts dedicated funding for parks and land protection by 20 percent whenever state tax revenue drops by more than one percent. Despite a strong economy, state revenue fell last year, reducing funding for GOSA by $6 million.

Urge Governor Kemp to restore full funding for GOSA.

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RE: Fully Fund Land Protection in Georgia

As an avid supporter of public lands and your constituent, I urge you to provide funding for parks and land protection to make up for the $6 million funding cut triggered in the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act (GOSA). These funds are critical to meet the growing population's demand for places to fish, hike, camp, paddle, and hunt. More than 83 percent of Georgia voters supported GOSA, and public lands continued to be supported by Georgians of all political stripes.

The percentage in cuts to GOSA triggered by a slight decrease in state revenue is disproportionate and has a negligible impact on the state's finances, especially considering that the state has $11 billion in unallocated reserves. While a negligible part of Georgia's $37 billion budget, $6 million is a significant loss of funds at a time when Georgia needs more parks and protections for our treasured public lands.

Parks and green spaces play an essential role in our communities by bringing people together. Time spent outside is one of the best ways to improve physical and mental health, providing opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and respite.

I strongly urge you to support full funding for our state's parks, trails, and outdoor places. If we maximize the opportunities for all Georgians to experience the benefits of the outdoors, every community will be stronger, healthier, and more vibrant for generations to come.

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