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What the election means for parks, trails, and recreation From the National Recreation and Park Association The view from Washington, D.C. the day after Election Day, November 8, 2006 Although all the election results are not in yet, and the control of the Senate still hangs in the balance, it is clear that the remarkable gains by Democrats in the 2006 midterm Congressional elections mean that a sea-change in underway in American politics. What this will mean for parks and recreation at the local, state, and national level is not completely clear at this early writing, but there are some undeniable conclusions that can be drawn even now. Key House committee chairmanships will change There are a number of House committees that are very important to parks and recreation at the national level because of their authority over budgets, programs, policy, and legislation. Among the most important are:
What does it mean for parks and recreation? Clearly, the change in chairs of these key committees will mean that there will be new opportunities for NRPA to advance a national agenda for parks and recreation. In addition, new chairmen will have new priorities. New alliances will be created and new relationships among the chairs, their staffs, the Senate, and the Executive Branch will be developed. New lines of power and authority will be developed, which will give advocates for parks, recreation, and conservation new avenues to advance our agenda and priorities. The Leadership of the House will change when the 110th Congress Convenes Unless there are significant surprises, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will become the Speaker of the House, a powerful position that controls what legislative proposals are advanced and what legislation is not. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is positioned to become Majority Whip. Other leadership posts are not certain yet, but some will be likely to be filled by those who were seen as architects of the election victory. In addition to the change in leadership posts, there will be new rules of operation adopted in the House, and other procedural changes that come with new leadership. What does it mean for parks and recreation? New priorities will be set by the incoming leadership team, and thus there will be new timetables for legislation. New procedures may mean that there is a better chance for certain legislation that was stalled or ignored under Republican leadership. Under the departing Republican leadership, for example, the ?Hastert Rule? was observed meaning that no legislation went forward unless it was supported by majority of the majority. Under these procedures, little legislation advanced by the Democrats ever saw the light of day. The new procedures and new processes will determine pace of legislation, what gets priority for floor time, how and when a legislator can influence specific legislation, and what stands a chance for passage and what doesn?t. Many NRPA legislative and policy priorities may have new life under Democratic leadership. It is our task to quickly engage the new leadership in making them their priorities. Key Members of the House and Senate were Defeated A fairly large number of House and Senate members were defeated, some whom we will not be sorry to see depart, and others who were staunch and reliable friends of parks and recreation. In Ohio, Senator Mike Dewine, a moderate Republican who was highly respected by park and recreation advocates in Ohio and nationwide went down to a resounding defeat. Senator Lincoln Chaffee, equally respected and appreciated for his support for parks, recreation, and conservation in Rhode Island was also defeated. Each of these well-liked and respected members were the recipient of the NRPA Congressional Award, Senator Dewine in 2005, and Senator Chaffee in 2002. Although it has not been called at this writing, Sen. Conrad Burns, a true defender of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, appears to be headed for defeat in MT. Other Republican House members who were defeated and who were considered good friends of parks and recreation include Reps. Nancy Johnson of CT, Charlie Bass of NH, Jeb Bradley of NH, Mike Fitzpatrick of PA, and others. On the other side of this equation, the departure of Charles Taylor (R-NC) chair of the powerful House Interior Appropriations subcommittee cannot be considered anything less than good news. His unyielding opposition to providing funds for the LWCF state assistance program led this once robust matching federal grant program to near elimination. Equally, the departure of Richard Pombo (R-CA), chair of the House Resources Committee, will be welcomed especially by advocates for conservation of natural resources and open space. What does it mean for parks and recreation? Quite a few good friends and supporters of parks and recreation on the Republican side went down to defeat, and this is truly a loss to the cause of parks and recreation at the national level. The impact of the loss of these moderate R?s who were able to cross the aisle is yet to be determined. While we have a hope and expectation that the D?s who will replace them will support a solid national agenda for parks and recreation, livable communities, health and wellness, and sound transportation policy, we just don?t know yet what their priorities are, and how firmly they will support our priorities. Once again, it is our challenge to make our priorities their priorities. Charles Taylor?s defeat and subsequent status as a lame duck on the way out means that his preferences and priorities are not as likely to guide appropriations for the yet to be conferenced 2007 budget, but he may be able to do incalculable mischief before he leaves office. Again, we must be on guard and proactive as the lame duck session convenes, especially for LWCF stateside which comes under his committee?s purview. Likewise, Richard Pombo?s defeat and lame duck status may have a significant effect on the chances to pass S. 3711, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Independence Act, and the planned dedication of 12.5% of royalty revenues to the LWCF. Issues of Importance to Voters in this Election Although not indicated as of paramount importance in exit polling, environmental issues, especially those relating to energy use, energy dependence, the high cost of gasoline and heating oil, global warming, and endangered species conservation did play an important part in some key races. What it means to parks and recreation? The Democratic agenda is not fully formed so soon after the election. In the coming weeks and months, however, these issues and others relating to livable communities, health and livability, and policies that support children?s nutrition, access and services to persons with disabilities, and care of the elderly will all come to the fore. Advocates for parks and recreation need to be positioned and active in educating members, advancing policies, and helping to set priorities. State-Level Issues in Play in the 2006 Elections The swing of the governor?s races was very large to the Democrats, and may have certain long term effects in future years, particularly as redistricting occurs. The Democrats held on to 14 states and took 6 from Republican control. The tipping of the balance will mean interesting new dynamics in local, state, and federal relations. Some state level issues relating to parks and open space were critical in some states, such as the referendum in MD to restrict the power of the Governor to sell state parkland and open space without express approval of the state legislature. This constitutional ballot question was stimulated by an unsavory land deal that came to light in which the Governor attempted to justify selling 800 acres of state forest land to a wealthy developer in a deal that largely seen as unethical and inappropriate. The ballot question passed with an overwhelming 84% approval rate. A number of other state and local land conservation bills were on ballots, as well as eminent domain and private property rights initiatives in at least 8 states. NRPA will report further on the status of state level issues in the 2006 elections. What it means to parks and recreation? Emerging state level issues have the power to influence the outcome of not only state and local elections, but in some cases, have a bearing on the outcome of national elections. The private property rights campaigns have already negatively affected state land use planning and open space conservation in several states, and these initiatives are expected to increase in coming election cycles despite losses in some states. The impact of other emerging state issues such as gun-carry bills, wetlands protection laws, and health and wellness legislation just to name a few, is unknown at this time, but these issues will be analyzed and reported on. Issues to be Resolved in the Post Election Period and the Lame Duck Session of the 109th Congress One of the biggest questions raised by the election results relate to what will happen in the planned lame duck session of Congress scheduled to begin next week. Will the Democrats quietly allow the Republicans to pass the 11 outstanding appropriations bills for the 2007 fiscal year, or will they throw a wrench in the works and try to stall passage of appropriations bills till the new Congress convenes in January? At this writing, control of the Senate hangs in the balance. Will the Democrats gain the 6 seats they needed to take control of both the House and the Senate? Just how much will President Bush be willing to work with the new Democratic majority? In his post election press conference, he indicated some willingness to do that by saying, the elections show that "people expect us to work together.? Whether he and the chastened Republican minority in the House will in fact do so remains to be seen. What does it mean for parks and recreation? These as yet unresolved issues are critical for advocates of parks and recreation, and if any message should be taken from the election results, it is that our continued advocacy is vitally important. Critical priorities remain?funding for LWCF stateside in 2007. The President proposed to terminate the program and the House approved the budget for zero funding. We must gain champions in the House and work the Senate Appropriations Committee and Interior Appropriations subcommittee. Additionally, NRPA has major funding, policy, and legislative priorities for healthy lifestyles, urban parks and recreation, transportation policy and funding, and more. We need to not rest on our laurels, but to redouble efforts to make our voices heard. Opportunities and Challenges If these election results tell us anything, it is that our advocacy and action are needed more than ever. We need to get to the new Congress as soon as possible with our messages and proposals. We need to let them know how important our priorities are to their future success. We have a unique opportunity to shape the new agenda, and we need to engage our citizens and professionals alike in this effort. Perhaps the best way to engage in support of the national agenda for parks and recreation and to influence outcomes for years to come is to attend the 2007 National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation, February 14-16, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, DC. Join the nearly 500 advocates for parks and recreation from across the country to take our message to the Hill. Our collective voice is needed more than ever, and the challenge is as great as it has ever been. For more information on the 2007 Legislative Forum, go to the NRPA website at www.nrpa.org Tell us about what happened in your state, and what you think it means for parks and recreation. Members from across the country have already started sharing their analyses, and we want to share the lessons learned and the opportunities that were created. Please contact the staff of the Public Policy office of NRPA at 202-887-0290 or email: Rich Dolesh, Director of Public Policy, rdolesh@nrpa.org Monica Vinluan, Senior Policy Associate, mvinluan@nrpa.org Mike Phillips, Policy and Advocacy Specialist, mphillips@nrpa.org |
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