We can use all the help we can get if you have a few minites to spear take the time to sign. Thanks
There is now an online petition at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/HB7124CT/petition.html(I'm hoping it works, I've never tried this online petition thing before)
If you think that we should just hit the pause button for a year before taking this step, please sign the petition online, and forward the URL to anyone else who may be similarly inclined.
My feeling is that this is a big step, and if we want to work out something with a boat permit, or guarantee reciprocity, we need some time to fully flesh out the ideas. If the bill goes through as is, it becomes that much harder to get it changed later.
The goal here is to forward this to the House and Senate leadership, so that when it becomes time to schedule a vote on this bill, they will have at least some idea that there are folks out here who think we need to give it another year.
Here is the text:
To: Connecticut General Assembly
Whereas, House Bill 7124 contains a provision establishing a licensing requirement for the marine district in the State of Connecticut, and
Whereas, the recreational saltwater fishery has traditionally been license free, and
Whereas, the issues of interstate reciprocity, compliance with the requirements of the federal Magnuson Stevens act, and a detailed plan for disposition of raised revenue have not yet been resolved, and
Whereas, the issue of the impact of such a licensing requirement upon the state's economy has not yet been studied,
Now therefore, we respectfully request the Connecticut General Assembly not to pass a bill containing a recreational saltwater angling license provision, and the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to retract support for said bill until the 2008 legislative session, when adequate time for information gathering and input from the angling community has been afforded.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
