Federal health and youth programs in jeopardy - Advocacy Update

Parks & Recreation, Jan, 2003

Before adjourning in November, Congress passed a continuing resolution that funds existing governmental programs at their current levels. The resolution freezes discretionary spending for most federal programs at Fiscal Year 2002 levels through Jan. 11, 2003.

The outlook for funding for health and youth programs in FY 2003 and 2004 is, in a word, grim. The current budget deficit has impacted decisions that the Bush administration and members of Congress are making about where to focus fiscal resources. The administration's proposed FY 2003 budget eliminated or slashed funding for a number of high-performing programs that park and recreation agencies benefit from, including:

* Urban Park and Recreation Recovery program (Department of the Interior).

* Special Recreation program for individuals with disabilities (Department of Education).

* Youth Opportunity program (Department of Labor).

* Community Technology Centers program (Department of Education).

* Technology Opportunities Program (Department of Commerce).

Once these programs are eliminated from the federal budget, reinstatement funds for them is extremely difficult. With the exception of some educational programs, it's likely that the administration will flat-fund health and youth programs, and eliminate more programs in the FY 2004 proposed budget. Congress--now controlled in both houses by Republicans--is being advised not to deviate from the administration's proposed budget. Federal funding for discretionary programs will be even tighter now that the new Department of Homeland Security has been signed into law.

So what can park and recreation advocates do?

Keep sowing seeds. Don't let elected officials forget about the important work you do. Keep inviting them to park and recreation events and sites, and show them firsthand how parks and recreation are essential services to the public. Be sure to emphasize how your work is an integral part of homeland security. For example:

* Park and recreation agency personnel watch over public lands and spaces, assisting public safety efforts.

* Youths in recreation programs learn conflict-resolution skills, tolerance and participate in positive activities that prevent hatred and violence.

* The physical activity infrastructure that parks, trails and recreation facilities provide help Americans to attain or maintain fitness. As a result, they can be better prepared for disasters and military service. In addition, they can avoid costly and life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and obesity; a healthier public frees up money spent on medical care for other needs, including homeland security.

* Public park and recreation agencies provide opportunities for Americans nationwide to perform community service, giving them a firsthand means to make their communities better, safer places to live. In addition, volunteers benefit from developing new skills, being active and deriving an increased sense of community.

For more detailed advocacy information, please see "Briefings" and "Breaking News" in the public policy section of NRPA's Web site (www.nrpa.org). As always, feel free to contact the NRPA Division of Public Policy at 202-887-0290 or nrpapolicy@aol.com.