OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Letter to the Legislature

Letter

Date: May 12, 2011
Location: Lincoln, NE
Issues: Government Budget and Spending

Gov. Dave Heineman today vetoed LB 421, a bill which would increase park fees by 25% for entry into State parks through the Game and Parks Commission.

The text of the letter to the Legislature follows:

I am returning LB 421 without my signature and with my objections.

LB 421, as amended, proposes a 25% increase to the fee for an annual resident permit from $20 to $25. LB 421 increases the fee for an annual non-resident permit from $25 to $30, increases the temporary resident permit from four dollars to five dollars, and the temporary non-resident permit from five dollars to six dollars. In addition, LB 421 would increase the amount that permit agents may collect from thirty-five cents to one dollar.

Nebraska's eight state parks and 65 state recreation areas provide Nebraskans great opportunities for outdoor activities. Last week, I signed a proclamation declaring May 7 to 15 as "See Nebraska Week", which encourages Nebraskans and other visitors to learn more about vacation and travel options in Nebraska. Nebraska's travel industry has an important economic impact on the state. It continues to be the third largest revenue producer from outside the state, behind agriculture and manufacturing, and generates more than $3 billion a year.

Raising fees during these economic times is not the appropriate way to better Nebraska's state parks; government should be analyzing how to reduce expenses. Nebraskans have had to cut their spending and they expect the same for government. Compounding these uncertain economic conditions are increasing energy costs, health insurance premiums, and fuel prices. In May 2010, the average price of gas was $2.87 per gallon. Currently, the average price of gas is $3.98 per gallon, and is expected to increase during the summer months. With increasing fuel prices, Nebraskans are going to stay closer to home. Increasing park entry fees will discourage Nebraskans from enjoying the outdoors and visiting Nebraska's attractions.

For these reasons, I urge you to sustain my veto of LB 421.


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