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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BlueRibbon Coalition" data-source="post: 101" data-attributes="member: 44">Date: 01/20/2011BLUERIBBON COALITION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE!IDAHO - Update on the OHV Gas Tax - Some Good NewsDear BRC Alert Subscriber, As you may recall back in May 2009, as part of a last minute concession by Idaho legislators, a deal was struck that took our recreational gas tax funding away from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and gave it to the Idaho Department of Transportation. (See <a href="http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1066" target="_blank">Action Alert</a>)Well there is now some good news. We just received an update on this from Sandra Mitchell with the Idaho Recreation Council (<a href="http://id-rc.org/" target="_blank">IRC</a>), who has been working diligently along with other groups throughout the state, to have this situation reversed.In her update, Sandra reported that on Tuesday afternoon, "The Joint Legislative Alternative Funding Task Force to Replace Funds shifted away from the Idaho State Police and Parks and Recreation met to decide what to do with both issues during this legislative session.  As you recall, last year they passed a bill that delayed the changes to the Highway Distribution Account until July 1, 2011-another delay or permanently restore was the question in need of an answer."David Hahn reported to the committee the Governor's recommendations and for us, it was nothing but good news-the members of the task force were told that Butch supports permanently restoring our OHV gas tax.  Senator Hammond made the motion, "I move the task force prepare legislation to reverse the impact of H376 of 2009 and permanently reinstate the 3% distribution of gas tax to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation."  Representative Bell, seconded it and it passed unanimously.  The committee will meet again on February 1 to review the legislation; it will then be introduced and hopefully passed.  (We will need your help to make sure that happens!)"Sandra went on to express her appreciation for all involved stating, "I know I have said it many times, but I cannot resist the opportunity to repeat how important your involvement was.  You took the time to make calls, send emails, sign petitions, attend meetings; you made the difference.  Don't ever let anyone tell you one person can't make a difference in Idaho."As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.Thanks you to everyone who was involved, Brian Hawthorne Public Lands Policy Director BlueRibbon Coalition 208-237-1008 ext 102 The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - <a href="http://www.sharetrails.org" target="_blank">www.sharetrails.org</a> _______________________________________________________As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit <a href="http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now" target="_blank">http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now</a> to help fund our efforts to protect your trails! <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BlueRibbonCoalition?a=H5adRfm0KSI:P22WuKlSauM:qj6IDK7rITs" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]1035[/ATTACH]</a>[ATTACH=full]1036[/ATTACH]<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BlueRibbonCoalition/~3/H5adRfm0KSI/alerts" target="_blank">Continue reading...</a></blockquote>

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