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Conservation Policy Updates
Dear Friends -
The last several weeks have been busy on the policy front. The Conservation Easement Incentive Act passed the House of Representatives by a 2/3 majority vote and now moves on to the Senate. (More below)
At the state Capitol, several committee bills related to our conservation work have already gone to public hearing. (More below) (View CLCC's 2015 Testimony HERE)
The state budget process begins tomorrow with the submittal of the Governor's biennial budget and concludes when the General Assembly approves a budget prior to the June 3rd adjournment.
With the possibility of further state budget cuts, we will continue to fight hard to protect the funding sources and programs that are essential to your work and the state's ability to meet its conservation goals.
Thank you for your efforts in reaching out to your legislators to voice your opinions and ask for their support. Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities to weigh in on key issues. We count on your involvement and input!
With best regards,
Amy
Left: With Wintonbury Land Trust Treasurer Vikki Reski and President Dale Bertoldi. Top: WLT Speer Preserve. Photo credit: Vikki Reski
Read more about the Speer Preserve at our CLCC Blog HERE.
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Federal Policy News
 | | Interested in attending Land Trust Advocacy Day in Washington, DC in April? Contact CLCC ED Amy B. Paterson for more info! |
House Passes Conservation Tax Incentive - On to the Senate
The America Gives More Act of 2015 (H.R. 644), which includes the Conservation Easement Incentive Act (H.R. 641), restoring and making permanent the conservation easement incentive, passed the House by a 2/3 majority vote of 279-137.
Please thank Representative Elizabeth Esty for voting for the bill. It was once again a difficult and complicated vote, with 136 Democrats opposing the bill on procedural grounds. The roll call is HERE.
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate.
Please thank Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal (both co-sponsors in the 113th Congress) for their past support and ask that they maintain their commitment to making the conservation easement incentive permanent by co-sponsoring S. 330.
You can reach either office via the switchboard at 202-224-3121 or directly and ask for the staffer that handles tax or conservation issues:
Senator Murphy: (202) 224-4041
Senator Blumenthal: (202) 224-2823
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President releases Fiscal Year 2016 budget with stable funding levels for conservation programs
The Obama administration's 2016 budget request to Congress supports making the easement incentive permanent and also includes a strong focus on securing funding for conservation programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). House and Senate appropriators will begin working on their legislative responses in the coming weeks. Read more details HERE.
Thanks to the Land Trust Alliance for providing the information for this update.
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State Policy News
Have a question, thought or comment on policy issues? Contact CLCC Executive Director Amy B. Paterson at 860-685-0785 or at [email protected]
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Conference Countdown ... Opportunities to Learn More!
2015 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference
Conservation Policy Track & Ambassadors' Lunch
CLCC is offering three workshops and a lunchtime roundtable at the annual Conference to provide you with an opportunity to engage on policy issues at the federal, state and local level.
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Connecticut State Plan Smorgasbord
(Workshop B.8) Get a taste of numerous state plans that are relevant to your conservation work
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Think Globally, Act Locally: How to Influence Local Land Use Decisions
(Workshop C.9) Learn how land trusts can determine where, when and how to participate in the local land use process
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Ambassadors' Lunch: A Federal Policy Roundtable --
Grab your lunch and join Sean Robertson, Land Trust Alliance Northeast Advocacy and Outreach Manager, for a roundtable Q&A update on federal policy issues. (Sean is also offering 1:1 meetings with land trust leaders throughout the day - contact CLCC ED Amy B. Paterson for more information!)
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Sean Robertson
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Tomorrow! Feb. 18th, 2pm EST
Webinar: Getting to know the 114th Congress
The Alliance is offering a webinar on getting to know the 114th Congress and the key issues and players driving land trust policy priorities in the new Congress. You'll hear from other land trust leaders who have effectively crafted relationships with the newly elected members of Congress and suggestions for building relationships in the months ahead. REGISTER HERE.
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The Connecticut Land Conservation Council's mission is to advocate for land preservation, stewardship and funding, and ensure the long term strength and viability of the land conservation community.
We count on your support.
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