Federal health and youth programs in jeopardy. (Advocacy Update).Before adjourning in November, Congress passed a continuing resolution A continuing resolution is a type of appropriations legislation used by the United States Congress to fund government agencies if a formal appropriations bill has not been signed into law by the end of the Congressional fiscal year. that funds existing governmental programs at their current levels. The resolution freezes discretionary spending for most federal programs at Fiscal Year 2002 levels through Jan. 11, 2003. The outlook for funding for health and youth programs in FY 2003 and 2004 is, in a word, grim. The current budget deficit has impacted decisions that the Bush administration and members of Congress are making about where to focus fiscal resources. The administration's proposed FY 2003 budget eliminated or slashed slash v. slashed, slash·ing, slash·es v.tr. 1. To cut or form by cutting with forceful sweeping strokes: slash a path through the underbrush. 2. funding for a number of high-performing programs that park and recreation agencies benefit from, including: * Urban Park and Recreation Recovery program (Department of the Interior). * Special Recreation program for individuals with disabilities (Department of Education). * Youth Opportunity program (Department of Labor). * Community Technology Centers program (Department of Education). * Technology Opportunities Program (Department of Commerce). Once these programs are eliminated from the federal budget, reinstatement Reinstatement The restoration of an insurance policy after it has lapsed for nonpayment of premiums. funds for them is extremely difficult. With the exception of some educational programs, it's likely that the administration will flat-fund health and youth programs, and eliminate more programs in the FY 2004 proposed budget. Congress--now controlled in both houses by Republicans--is being advised not to deviate from the administration's proposed budget. Federal funding for discretionary programs will be even tighter now that the new Department of Homeland Security Noun 1. Department of Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States has been signed into law. So what can park and recreation advocates do? Keep sowing Not to be confused with sewing. Sowing is the process of planting seeds. Hand sowing is the process of casting handfuls of seed over prepared ground: broadcasting. Usually, a drag or harrow is employed to incorporate the seed into the soil. seeds. Don't let elected officials forget about the important work you do. Keep inviting them to park and recreation events and sites, and show them firsthand first·hand adj. Received from the original source: firsthand information. first how parks and recreation are essential services to the public. Be sure to emphasize how your work is an integral part of homeland security Noun 1. Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Department of Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States . For example: * Park and recreation agency personnel watch over public lands and spaces, assisting public safety efforts. * Youths in recreation programs learn conflict-resolution skills, tolerance and participate in positive activities that prevent hatred Hatred Haughtiness (See ARROGANCE.) Ahab, Captain main character whose monomania is an expression of hatred. [Am. Lit.: Moby Dick] basil flower flower representing hatred of the other sex. and violence. * The physical activity infrastructure that parks, trails and recreation facilities provide help Americans to attain or maintain fitness. As a result, they can be better prepared for disasters and military service. In addition, they can avoid costly and life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and obesity obesity, condition resulting from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index. ; a healthier public frees up money spent on medical care for other needs, including homeland security. * Public park and recreation agencies provide opportunities for Americans nationwide to perform community service, giving them a firsthand means to make their communities better, safer places to live. In addition, volunteers benefit from developing new skills, being active and deriving an increased sense of community. For more detailed advocacy information, please see "Briefings" and "Breaking News" in the public policy section of NRPA's Web site (www.nrpa.org). As always, feel free to contact the NRPA Division of Public Policy at 202-887-0290 or nrpapolicy@aol.com. |
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