AZA has been closely
monitoring the recently-passed jobs bill in the U.S. House of
Representatives. This bill could greatly
impact all of our programs if passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into
law. Now we need you to take action by
contacting your Senators and let your voices be heard.
By reference, the House bill incorporates
arbitrary and capricious language preventing zoos and aquariums from accessing
these funds for job creation.
"Sec.1702. All
funds provided under this title shall be subject to the requirements of section
1604 of division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(Public Law 111-5).
This harmful language was included in the
original Stimulus Bill which was passed by the Congress and signed into law
early in 2009. It is unfair that zoos
and aquariums continue to be punished, especially when jobs are at stake.
Section 1604 in the original Stimulus Bill
stated:
“None of the
funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this Act may be used by any
State or local government, or any private entity, for any casino or other
gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, or swimming pool.”
We need the Senate to keep Section 1702 out
of its version of the jobs bill.
It is critically important to remember:
- Zoos
and aquariums have had to lay off employees and decrease the services provided
to local communities.
- Zoo
and aquarium jobs are green jobs, science education jobs, and construction
jobs.
- Zoos
and aquariums are leaders in environmental education.
- Zoos
and aquariums are saving endangered species.
- Zoos
and aquariums are economic engines and job generators.
We need this job-killing language out of the
Senate bill, so please contact your Senators!