SB5097 - Allow spouses to share hours to earn free D-Pass

[tod701]

SB5097 would allow spouses to pool their volunteer hours for the purpose of earning a free d-pass.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5097&year=2013


Its getting a hearing before the Senate Natural Resources committee 24Jan2013 and I recommend supporting it.
If you like the idea, let the committee member know how you feel.

Here are the email addresses of the committee members:

kirk.person@leg.wa.gov
john.smith@leg.wa.gov
christine.rolfes@leg.wa.gov
jim.hargrove@leg.wa.gov
mike.hewitt@leg.wa.gov
adam.kline@leg.wa.gov
linda.parlette@leg.wa.gov

[81forest]

Great idea, and thanks again for devoting the time and energy to deal with the legislative process. We all owe you one!

[ADVwnbe]

That's great except for the 24 hours of volunteer time required. Three 8 hour days worth of volunteering for a $30 pass???

That's $1.25 an hour! I know for a fact that volunteer hours are calculated at the value of the work they are doing and nothing is valued that low, except maybe babysitting.

[81husky]

A better idea would be to get rid of the Discover Pass entirely. I know, I'm delusional.

[tod701]

Originally Posted by ADVwnbe

That's great except for the 24 hours of volunteer time required. Three 8 hour days worth of volunteering for a $30 pass???

That's $1.25 an hour! I know for a fact that volunteer hours are calculated at the value of the work they are doing and nothing is valued that low, except maybe babysitting.

16 hours is the USFS standard and what I suggested.
Other people wanted it higher than 24.
Some because to them volunteers cut into government jobs.
24 was as good a deal as could be cut at the time.

[tod701]

Originally Posted by 81forest

Great idea, and thanks again for devoting the time and energy to deal with the legislative process. We all owe you one!

Gee thanks - I got another D-Pass bill I wrote myself in the pipeline aimed at the current misapplication of the requirements concerning vehicles with both street plates and ORV permits.

Should be introduced in a few days, stay tuned, I'll need your help to get it done.

[tod701]

Originally Posted by 81husky

A better idea would be to get rid of the Discover Pass entirely. I know, I'm delusional.

No, public access to public land should be free.

If need be, a pass limited to developed facilities that cost the state tax money to provide might be OK, but that is where I would draw the line if it was up to me.

[Eldon]

I'm all on your new D-pass proposal.

Do you know why only $2.40 of the $30 we spend goes to DNR land?
It's really funny because 98% I'm required to dislay the D-pass I'm on DNR land, but they only get 8% of the funds.
If you know how they came up with this number let me know.
I sure wish they could figure out how to use my fuel tax refunds and ORV tabs to support my recreation. I was told by Rep. Sam Hunt and Rep. Karen Fraser that they needed those funds to balance their budget. I'm glad to hear how willing they are to take our funding to support their poor budgeting abilities and spending habits. It's good to be here to bail them out.
Anyway, happy trails!!

[tod701]

Originally Posted by Eldon

Do you know why only $2.40 of the $30 we spend goes to DNR land?!

Yep

The DNR was cool with getting $2.15, but some of us went against their wishes and got their cut raised from 7.5% to 8%.

Not lots, but easily mid six figures or more a year for public recreation on DNR managed public land.

Has the DNR said thank you for bringing them more coin?

Nope.

Go figure.

[Eldon]

It's sad that DNR will most likely only use these extra funds on enforcement and not on trail expansion.

[12120]

Only reason I can see to buy a Discovery Pass is so if I see a enforcement officer I can give them a big peace of my mind. Without being in violation of their extortion rule.

Chris

[tod701]

Senate Natural Resources Committee passed this bill.

Next step, Senate Rules Committee.