The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is mostly likely one of the receivers that will sacrifice, which would put the small hometown attraction on the endanger species list.
The Daily News is reporting funding for zoos and living museum such as the one here will face a considerable reduction in funding in the 2009 budget and elimination of funding in the 2010 budget.
If passed, the 2009 budget for zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums across the state, most of which goes to New York City programs, will be cut from $9 million to $4 million. Funding will be eliminated entirely in 2010 under the proposal.This is the result of tinkering around instead of making the tough decisions. They risk the very existence of a small program like the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park rather than go after larger portions of the budget.
It is all a matter of voices being heard, the zoo will never stand a chance against the Democrat's powerful union allies.
LATER ADD - The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park receives $25,500 from this fund.
8 comments:
Does this mean Darrel will now know the difference between straw and hay?
Please explain how a zoo is more important then education, health care, and senior services.
You're advocating for zoos - those unions are advocating for education, healthcare, and public services.
You're on the wrong side buddy.
10:46 No one is arguing that the zoo is more important that education, health care and such. It's just that we pay enough in taxes that some OTHER things that we enjoy should be able to survive. And face it, our schools pay $25 grand for thumbtacks. That's donut money for them. And be careful, there are often school buses lined up for miles waiting to do field trips at that zoo. What would those teachers do if it were closed, teach? Ya might rethink that one, buddy.
We should be able to find the money to keep our zoo open. It ain't that much.
I love this comment: "t is all a matter of voices being heard, the zoo will never stand a chance against the Democrat's powerful union allies."
Powerful Unions - whom the GOP hates as much as they hate Social Security and Medicare - are the causes of the Lions and Tigers and Elephants (esp the Elephants) having poor representation at the budget table?
Stop it - you're killing me.... LOL
Unions, yep I agree Danford. But that Social Security statement is a bit much. Don't go too far off the dock.
Not off the dock at all - the GOP almost in lock step still refers to social security as "socialism" and Medicare as "social medicine."
Cite: "Social Security is a cruel hoax ...unjust, unworkable ... and wastefully financed." -- Year: 1936 Republican presidential candidate Alf Landon.
Both labels are flat out wrong. People work hard and PAY INTO those programs.
If Unions are so bad, how come John McHugh sails into office on their coattails from up around here... I thought only whacked out DEM libs were Unionists?
LOL
Oh stop it Dan. I've never heard anyone refer to SS as socialism. What are you reading?
The problem with SS is all the stuff we've added to it, stuff that it was never intended to be.
With SSI, we can now get drunk, get a check. Do drugs, get a check. Be depressed, get a check If we had not turned it into a welfare program, we would have been better off. It will be interesting to see how SS gets "fixed" by the great one. Whatdaya bet he raises SS taxes and pushes back the retirement age. What novel ideas.
I think that our community should pay attention to this - there are limited affordable recreational opportunities for North Country residents, whether they are "homegrown" or "visiting imports" to enjoy the nature of Northern New York without paying a hefty fee. The zoo provides opportunity to get close to the critters who call NY home, or in some cases, used to call it homes. The zoo has suffered damage from the two major storms, is looking at funding being cut, yet still tries to provide some education and entertainment for visitors. Did you know that they get very limited funding from the City or the County compared to other zoos?
Nobody is disputing that education and health care are important. But as another Anonymous said, what about all those young kids waiting on buses to come to the zoo? The $25K is a pittance compared to some of the things we, Jefferson County, throw money at.
In the past I had worked for a county government elsewhere in this state, and believe me, NYS bureacracy is ridiculous no matter which way you cut it. People in this state, this economy, if they are employed should be damn well kissing their stars that they actually have a job, instead of whining about benefits, raises and such. The majority of people out there don't have that luxury.
Neither do the animals at the zoo.
Post a Comment