Not sure how many of you will be interested in this ....... Subject: RI Saltwater Fishing License Is About To Take Effect! Act Now!
Fellow Anglers, Late Friday Night in "one of the bigger surprises" according to the Providence Journal the House Finance Committee approved a new $2.785 billion state budget that included a saltwater fishing license. Quoting the Pro Jo "The licenses, which would be required as of July 1, would cost $18 for residents. The changes would raise $2.2 million but would cost $600,000 to implement". Additionally, I believe non-residents would pay $35 for the season and a three-day "tourist" license would be available for $16. Since this occurred in the dark of Friday night little information on implementation and/ or benefits is available. From various news reports and web sites I understand this tax would go to the "general" fund and deliver absolutely no direct benefit to saltwater anglers in Rhode Island. Further, my understanding of the process is that this article can be removed from the overall bill before it goes to the Senate in 7 days. This is the amendment period and it is the only chance to shoot this down before it is law. Once it goes to the Senate they will vote on the whole bill, not the individual articles. Copy and paste this in your browser and find your local and state rep. http://www.state.ri.us/RIELEC/FINDOFF.htm If your a non-resident then pick the city you fish in on the list and don’t enter an address just pick the town and maybe the street you park on to fish or the address of a relative. Lets make it happen and get the word out there NOW! Please contact your State Representatives today. Email is good, letter is better and phone call is best. You may recall that last year after an extensive review by the Recreational License Sub Committee (made up of anglers and DEM officials) that they recommended against the proposed license because anglers were not convinced that the funds would benefit the resource. In the case it seems clear there will be no resource benefit. In other words the opinions were gathered and summarily ignored by state officials. I read on the politics board on http://www.stripermoon.com/ that State Representative McHugh (South Kingston and Block Island) says "I plan to introduce a floor amendment by Tuesday at 5PM to the budget bill eliminating the salt water fishing license tax. I have also talked with other South County Reps (ie. Rep Shanely. etc.) And they are in agreement...Hopefully; we can get enough upstate Reps to agree with us. We will try our best." Obviously, Rep McHugh's intentions are good news. Please forward this email to anyone you think needs to be aware of this issue. SWE will forward additional information as it becomes available. Thanks in advance, Peter Jenkins The Saltwater Edge Newport, Rhode Island _______________________________________________________________________ Powered by List Builder To unsubscribe follow the link: http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/sp?c=9999&s=DBF0B5CBEDB77E96&m=118
