A major, new threat to Florida Forever and Everglades restoration looms in the emerging state budget, which is being drafted for the year beginning July 1.The budget being considered in the Florida House eliminates all funding for Florida Forever and the Everglades. The spending plan would set back state land conservation and Everglades restoration plans by $500 million in borrowing next year - breaking a two-decade commitment to land conservation and the Everglades - in order to save $16 million in General Revenue.The Senate is considering funding Florida Forever at $300 million, but is cutting Everglades spending in half - to only $100 million.

Act Now: The House Budget is the Priority
The most important message to communicate in support of Florida Forever RIGHT NOW is to be directed to Members of the House: Fund Florida Forever and Everglades restoration.

· Return Florida Forever and Everglades restoration to the FY 2008-2009 state budget.· Continue the two-year commitment to investment in Florida Forever and the Everglades.· Rarely has there been a better, more cost-effective, strategic time to buy conservation land.

Contact House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami-Dade County (850-488-1450, 305-422-6939 or marco.rubio@myfloridahouse.gov), House Budget Chairman Ray Sansom, R-Ft. Walton Beach (850-488-1170, 850-833-9328, or ray.sansom@myfloridahouse.gov)and your local State Representative, and tell them how you feel!

Florida Forever "Successor" Moving Forward
Against the worrisome budgetary context, both Senate and House committees are moving on bills to extend Florida Forever at $300 million for 10 years beginning in 2010. While this is not the spending level necessary to meet the state's $17 billion acquisition backlog, the progress toward a successor program is encouraging. Much work remains!

The Latest Information
Keep abreast of the latest news and advisories on Florida Forever at: www.supportfloridaforever.org