Governor’s May Revise Restores Funding For California’s State Parks
While California’s structural budget deficit persists due to slower rates of economic growth, the May Revise makes some positive adjustments, including the restoration of funding for the Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure that all state parks remain open to the public and state beaches are staffed with seasonal lifeguards. The Governor’s proposed budget included a $13.3 million General Fund reduction, which would have resulted in closing 48 state parks and reducing seasonal lifeguards at state beaches by a minimum of 50 percent.
The May Revise proposes $13.3 million in funding for the Department of Parks and Recreation to keep California’s state parks open. This proposal will fully restore the budget reduction and keep parks open by providing $11.8 million General Fund and $1.5 million from increased state park fees.
- The Governor’s May Revise is a responsible budget that includes a combination of cuts, new revenues, and creative ideas.
- The fee increases will range from $1 to $2 at selected state parks where the effect on attendance would be minimal.
