From: Upthegrove, Rep. Dave [mailto:Dave.Upthegrove@leg.wa.gov]
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:23 PM
To: 'john@haggardmail.net'
Subject: RE: Constituent: Washington Discover Pass
Dear John,
Thank you for your message expressing your concern about the inability to transfer the new Discover Pass between vehicles. I agree that this is an added burden for people visiting our state parks and am hopeful that we can find a workable solution next session. It was not the intent of the legislation to make people choose between the Prius and the RV (or the car vs. motorcycle, in your case) when they go to the park!
As you may know, the Discover Pass was adopted by the Legislature this year as an alternative to closing state parks and recreational lands in the face of a $5 Billion budget shortfall. The pass program was developed through a series of meetings with park users, budget writers and state agencies. It is my understanding that the one-vehicle limit was part of their calculations. If the program is changed to allow some sort of transfer between vehicles (perhaps modeled after the federal pass, as you mentioned), it will likely create a funding gap. The Legislature is prevented by Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1053 (passed by the voters in 2010) from raising any general taxes to pay for this. We would have to fill that gap by either closing some parks and recreational lands or creating additional fees to cover the costs.
I know that the legislators who sponsored the Discover Pass are working this interim to find ways to make it more workable, including looking at the issue of transferability. I anticipate that legislation will be put forth next session to make various adjustments to the program and I will give them my full consideration.
Again, thanks for taking the time to contact me. I value the input I receive and hope you will continue to share your views with me.
Sincerely,
Dave Upthegrove
State Representative
33rd District
Chairman, House Environment Committee
Webpage: http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/roster/rep-dave-upthegrove/
Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000

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