I know that I may take some flak for putting this notice on this list but I know many of you support the wildlife diversity fund to support  programs which affects our bird populations is Ohio. 

We have a problem that I wanted to alert you to.  A state representative put an amendment in the budget bill to earmark $75,000 for the Ohio Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation center here in Columbus, from the Wildlife Diversity Fund.  I am urging people to contact their state senator to let them know that this is a diversion of funds from the Wildlife Diversity Fund, which consists of donations from the public through the income tax checkoff program, and sales of the cardinal/eagle license plates. 
A couple of things to consider:

* We've never had earmarks from the Wildlife Diversity Fund for pet projects

* Donations are made by the public for management of wildlife diversity species, and in particular to fund the research and conservation of state endangered and threatened species.

*This limits the state biologist's ability to work on priority projects by taking much needed funds away.

* As one of the wildlife rehabilitators in the state, I do not think that it is fair to provide  funding for  one organization and not the others.Rehabilitators do financially  recieve support from the ODOW through our state organization ;Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association for continuing education purposes.

I've included a list of Senate finance members that will be reviewing the budget bill (HB119) in the next couple of weeks.  They have the power to remove this earmark from the bill. In addition, I've provided a link to all the Senators, as calling/writing your own senator is very valuable as well.

 Your Senators  ( http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/by_name.html)

                            Manon Van Schoyck

              Ohio Nature Education - Env. Educator & Wildlife Rehabilitator

Senate Finance Committee Members

 

John Carey, Chairman                     614-466-8156

Steve Stivers                                     614-466-5981

Ron Amstutz                                      614-466-7505

Steve Austria                                     614-466-3780

Gary Cates                                        614-466-8072

Patricia Clancy                                  614-466-8068

Randy Gardner                                  614-466-8060

Tom Niehaus                                     614-466-8082

Joy Padgett                                       614-466-8076

Dale Miller                                          614-466-5123

Eric Kearney                                      614-466-5980

Ray Miller                                           614-466-5131

Tom Roberts                                      614-466-6247



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