27th
I MADE A DIFFERENCE!!
So last month, there was this article about how the deficit reduction plan for NY was going to lead to major cuts in the programming for cultural institutions. I currently work at one, NY Transit Museum, and formerly worked for the Prospect Park Zoo and Wildlife Center. I was deeply concerned, particularly for the Zoos because they were going to lose ALL state funding as of next year.
When a zoo loses its funding, people don’t just lost their jobs, animals lose their homes. Exhibits close, forcing the animals to be moved to sanctuaries or other zoos. This can divide entire families, herds, flocks etc., leaving them to live out the rest of their lives in a completely unfamiliar place with unfamiliar animals. Even worse, they could continuously get bounced around to different places. It is torturous and wrong.
As soon as I heard about this I went on the WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) website and filled out a letter to my local assemblyman. Every now and then I will do this but I have NEVER received a letter so wonderful as this one….
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for your concern about the environment, tourism, and specifically the Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquariums (ZBGA) program. I agree with you that the supporting these programs are very important for not only the state as a whole, but they are good for people in general. So I am pleased to tell you that ZBGA did not suffer any cuts in the Deficit Reduction Plan. I will do my best to make sure that funding is going where it needs to be, and I will try to follow what will happen with ZBGA in the future. Thank you again for voicing your concern, and if you have any questions or concerns again, please contact my office.
Sincerely,
Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez
I feel so victorious!!! I’m really happy to know that I was able help someone in someway during this really horrible time. YAY!
