NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday December 20, 2009

Republicans ignore common sense in vote to devastate Arizona state parks

PHOENIX – On Saturday, as Arizonans were busy shopping and preparing for the holidays, Republican lawmakers stole from them one of the state’s most enduring gifts: its state parks. According to the state parks director, these devastating cuts would make Arizona the only state in the nation without a functioning state parks system.

“This makes no sense at all. Why are we cutting something so central to Arizona’s identity and its ability to attract visitors?” said Luis Heredia, Arizona Democratic Party executive director. “This is yet another disturbing example of the Republicans’ wrong priorities. They’re willing to cut anything and everything of value to middle-class residents, yet they bend over backwards to protect big corporations and the rich.”

The Republicans voted to decimate the state parks budget, saving only $9 million while destroying a system that brings in more than $250 million a year and provides jobs to rural Arizonans.

Heredia pointed out that, along with attracting visitors from around the world, Arizona’s state parks are a cherished resource for nature-loving residents and are popular stops for Arizonans who can’t afford elaborate vacations. Parks such as Kartchner Caverns, Red Rock or Tonto Natural Bridge draw a steady stream of hikers, picnickers and schoolkids on field trips.

“These places are part of our heritage. They matter very much to those of us who love experiencing the best of Arizona,” Heredia said.

In this week’s scattershot special session, as with previous special sessions during 2009, Republicans leaders continued to reject any form of bipartisanship. They outright refuse to consider Democrats’ ideas for a comprehensive budget solution.

“Republicans ought to be looking for solutions that don’t target the middle class,” Heredia said. “Their refusal to consider any ideas but their own, along with their utter failure to lead our state through this crisis, means they’ve been in power for too long. We hope Arizona voters will remember what happened today.”