From the desk of: Executive Vice President By Eugene Berghoff

GENE BERGHOFF

The 1974 session of the 78th General Assembly met in Springfield on March 6, 1974, to hear Governor Dan Walker's budget message.

The budget called for a $4.96 million increase for the Department of Conservation. The funds will be used to improve facilities and expand the state recreation system, and increase and improve public hunting and fishing opportunities throughout Illinois. Director Anthony T. Dean has also started a program to upgrade the law enforcement service of the Department of Conservation.

Governor Walker stated, "Achieving our objectives this year is all important. The gasoline shortage will undoubtedly impinge on people's ability to travel. Therefore, more and more people will turn to the states' recreational areas for their vacations."

We would certainly agree with Governor Walker's statement, but I would like to point out to him and members of the 78th General Assembly that the "Energy Crisis" will also increase the use of local park and recreation facilities.

Last year (1973) the state's recreational facilities had 26.5 million visitors and there is no doubt that our local recreational facilities had over 30 million visitors and participants in various programs and activities.

If our local park systems are to achieve their objectives during this crucial period they will need more revenues above and beyond those presently provided. These additional funds could be provided from State Income Tax monies allocated back to local governments, from the state's share of Federal Revenue Sharing Act to include local park systems.

I urge all members to bring this article to the attention of their state representatives and senators and to encourage them to support our 1974 legislative program.

IAPD and IPRS believe that the democratic process functions best through frank and open discussion. Material published in this magazine, therefore often presents divergent and controversial points of view which do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the two sponsoring organizations.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 3 May/June, 1974