OACD

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO IN A SHORT TIME!!!!
 
Governor Henry released his budget to the public today.  In it, the Governor proposed a shake up of agencies INCLUDING THE CONSOLIDATION OF CONSERVATION INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
 
THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION.
 
As you know, the state of Oklahoma is facing the greatest budget shortfall in our history.  The Government is searching for savings wherever they can.
 
IF WE DO NOTHING, THIS CONSOLIDATION WILL HAPPEN!!!!!
 
What does that mean?  First, it means that the money we earn from the federal government will no longer go directly to districts.  If extra money is available from things like dam rehabilitation or farm bill delivery, it would go to the general budget of the Department of Ag.  This means these dollars could then be re-directed to other things like ag in the classroom, rural fire, stock shows and fairs, or other pet projects within the department.
 
CURRENTLY, OVER 80% OF THE BUDGET OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION GOES TO DISTRICTS.  This will not be the case for the department of agriculture if we go underneath them. District allocations, salaries and benefits will all be put at jeopardy!!!
 
 
WE NEED YOU TO CALL NOW AND LET YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONSOLIDATION IS A VERY BAD IDEA!!!!
 
As an independent agency, conservation has the ability to stand between the environmentalists and agriculture.  We at times tell landowners things they don’t want to hear.  At times we tell cities and towns and/or the environmental community things they don’t want to hear.  If we become just another part of agriculture, this ability goes away.  In addition, we are more than agriculture.  We work on urban and suburban natural resource issues and work on other things like dam safety.  We work on wildlife habitat and endangered species.
 
WE CAN’T LET THIS WEEK GO BY WITHOUT CONTACTING OUR REPRESENTATIVES, SENATORS AND THE GOVERNOR!!!
 
PLEASE CALL ASAP!!!!
 
THE HOUSE SWITCHBOARD IS 405-521-2711
 
THE SENATE SWITCHBOARD IS 405-524-0126
 
THE GOVERNOR IS 405-521-2342
 
We will be working on this issue and looking at strategies throughout the week.  We will keep you posted as events develop, but you need to call today!!!!