Thank you to our partners at Sierra Club Wisconsin for this alert.
Description: two young children explore a waterfall at Governor Dodge State Park
Every Kid Outdoors is a federal program that provides free access to national parks for fourth graders and their families. The Wisconsin legislature should support a policy that allows the DNR to accept the Every Kid Outdoors pass at Wisconsin State parks to increase access to green spaces for kids in our state. Lowering the barriers to accessing state parks is one tangible way the state legislature can support outdoor learning, physical activity, mental health, and appreciation for the environment in our young people.
Here is what you can do:
Ask the members of the Committee on Sporting Heritage, Small Business and Rural Issues to support SB 376, Wisconsin’s Every Kid Outdoors program by 11 AM Thursday February 10th.
On Thursday February 10th at 11 AM, the Committee is holding a hearing in Room 201 Southeast of the State Capitol. There are 5 members of the bi-partisan Committee and they all need to hear from you! The bill would eliminate state park fees for 4th graders (and their families) who participate in the National Every Kid Outdoors program. By opening this door for youth and their families now, we may be opening the door for a lifetime of outdoor recreation.
This pass has widespread popularity. In April 2021, Conservation Congress voters supported the creation of an Every Kid Outdoors pass option for WI state parks passing the question in all counties and with the highest support (91.82%).
Here is what you can do:
1. Contact the 5 members of the Committee via email or phone before Thursday Feb 10th (link to legislative pages includes contact information):
(Chair) Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond), sen.stafsholt@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), sen.petrowski@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator John Jagler (R-Watertown), jagler@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick), sen.smith@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Robert W. Wirch (D-Somers), sen.wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov
2. Contact your own legislators particularly your Senator for this bill SB 376. Look up your state legislators here (Senate and Assembly) and get their email address.
3. Make sure to thank your legislator if they are a Sponsor of SB 376. The sponsor list is below:
Senators: Senators Jacque (lead sponsor), L. Taylor and Roys. Cosponsored by: Representatives Cabral-Guevara (lead sponsor for AB 375 companion bill), Callahan, Consadine, Horlacher, Krug, Milroy, Rozar, Sinicki, Stubbs, Subeck, Tauchen, Tusler, Wichgers.
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