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CCA Virginia Alert-Governor Kaine raid on VSRFDF Funds In 2004 CCA Virginia asked you to contact Governor Warner using these words "CCA supported legislation this year to allow the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to increase license and permit fees levied for recreational and commercial fishing. A citizens committee developed the parameters for the legislation. CCA volunteers participated on the committee. The committee felt that it was important that any fee increases be equitable and also felt that it was critical that the proceeds of such fee increases stay in the dedicated recreational and commercial license funds and not be used to replace general funds. Further they felt that both of these dedicated funds need additional money in order to better serve their user group's needs." None of that has changed. However, Governor Kaine is now proposing to break that trust and transfer $416,357 from the dedicated non-reverting Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund into the general fund in order to help cover shortfalls in the present Virginia state budget of $641,000,000. The only way that we have to prevent this type of raid on our funds is for YOU to let Richmond know that YOU want them to honor the promise made by the Governor's predecessors, former Secretaries of Natural Resources and the legislature. This promise is that our license money would not be transferred to the general fund. It will take your help to get enough letters faxes and emails to the Governor and our State Senators and Delegates. You have to insist that they not break their agreements between recreational fishermen and the government regarding the dedicated nature of this fund. If the Governor and the General Assembly are successful in raiding the funds this year then probably we will see more raids on OUR fund in the future. According to the code of Virginia section 28.2-302.3, the Fund and the interest on the fund shall not revert to the general fund. The Fund is financed from the sale of Saltwater Fishing Licenses. The Fund is to be used solely for the purposes of conserving and enhancing finfish species take by recreational anglers, improving recreational fishing opportunities, administrating the Virginia Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournament certificates program, obtaining necessary data and conducting research for fisheries management, and conducting research for fisheries management. Since inception of the legislation in 1992 creating the Fund, $27,367,369.00 has been raised from the sale of Saltwater Fishing Licenses to recreational anglers. CCA Virginia asks-Help Us to Help You. Write a short letter to Governor Kaine asking him NOT to include money from the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Development Fund in any budget amendments to cover the current shortfall in the state budget. Office of the Governor Patrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor 1111 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Phone: (804) 786-2211 Fax: (804) 371-6351 You can also send a
direct email using the form on his web page at: 2. Write a short letter to your General Assembly Senator and Delegate asking them NOT to include money from the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Development Fund in any budget amendments to cover the current shortfall in the state budget. If you do not know who your Senator or Delegate is in your jurisdiction then you can call your local voter registrar and they will provide you with contact information. Also, you can check the General Assembly Website and type in your address and the website will give you the contact information.http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform Here is a sample letter. Governor Kaine, Since 1993 the proceeds from the saltwater recreational licenses have gone into a dedicated fund known as the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Development Fund. That dedicated fund was initiated and has been maintained with the mutual understanding between recreational fishermen state wide, the Administration and Legislature that these funds stay separate from the General Fund and that any use of the funds be reviewed and approved by a board made up of recreational fishermen. I am deeply disappointed that you have decided to break the promises made by the legislators and your predecessors. I urge you to find other sources from the General Fund to fund the shortfall of revenue in the state budget. Sincerely, Your Name Address Phone Number Frank A. Kearney III Co-Chairman CCA VA Fisheries
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