Infographic by Michael Uribes
On November 2, California voters will weigh in on Proposition 21, which proposes to increase funding towards state parks by increasing annual vehicle registration fees by $18 and would permit all California vehicles free entry and parking to all 278 state parks, 16 of which are located in the Central Valley.
Proposition 21 is seen by many as the way to save our state parks from under-funding. Some however, think it is just a new scam to increase taxes.
According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, parks in California not only conserve 625 miles of lakes and rivers, it also preserves 280 miles of coastlines, fragile deserts, underwater reserves and other nature focused parks.
These parks not only conserve nature, they also protect ancient Native American sites, historic structures and artifacts.
The CDPR also said that California holds “the largest and most diverse natural and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency in the nation.”
Dr. Stephen Lewis, faculty chair of the earth and environmental sciences department at Fresno State, predicts some adverse effects on state parks if Prop 21 does not pass.
“They would reduce staffing, which means maintenance and care taking would be reduced,” said Lewis. “The state park system will continue its decline.”
Lewis emphasized that state parks in California are very beautiful and unique.
“This is why they are selected as state parks””they are special regions and if they are lost, they are lost forever.”
According to the Official Voter Information Guide, if Proposition 21 is passed, the state will receive an estimated $250 million more in annual revenues. The parks currently use $400 million a year to keep the parks maintained. The money that is left over will be used to increase nature conservation, such as marine life.
Because the money used by state parks is currently taken from California’s General Fund, if the proposition passes $200 million would be saved from the general fund, which will then be used to support other state programs.
Some students believe that during the current economic situation, it might not be a good idea to increase vehicle registration fees.
“It might not be good for people that are struggling and might not have the money [to pay the increased fee],” said Christol Cooper, a sophomore psychology major at Fresno State.
The voter’s guide also said opponents of Prop 21 say it’s simply an underlying agenda that is meant to misguide voters into thinking state parks will be saved with an increase in vehicle registration, but is actually an opportunity for politicians to steer the money toward wasteful spending.
It is not clear where excess funds will be used.
The voters guide claims Proposition 21 is supported by California Federation of Teachers, California League of Conservation Voters, California Nurses Association, California State Lifeguard Association, League of California Afterschool Provider and local chambers of commerce.
The California Taxpayers Association and The Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association oppose Proposition 21 and are against all tax increases, including this proposition, which they claim is a tax mistakenly referred to as a fee.
Amanda Rivera, a pre-nursing student at Fresno State, believes California’s state parks are a necessity and doesn’t consider the $18 registration fee much of a detriment.
“It will probably not be a big effect on anyone.”