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Legislative Advocacy

The Legislative Committee monitors legislation on a state and federal level, and tries to keep the NYSRPS membership aware of pending legislation which may affect their profession. Click here for a printable version of the 2010 Legislative Platform & Advocacy Program.

 

2010 State Platform

Liability Issues

  • A03695 ­ Support legislation which provides immunity from civil liability for coaches and board members of volunteer youth sports programs.

  • A02054 ­ Support legislation which broadens the recreational uses covered by the state's General Obligation Law.

  • A04790 ­ Support legislation requiring background checks for all employees and volunteers having substantial contact with children.


Constituent Issues

  • A05589 ­ Support increased funding of the Youth Development/Delinquency Prevention Program and other youth-serving programs administered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

  • A06069 ­ Support the "Bigger Better Bottle Bill".

  • A03446 ­ Support inclusion of park and recreation grounds in legislation involving drug free zones and illegal trespass at school facilities.

  • ­ Support and partner with both state and federal legislative efforts to improve the physical condition of youth and adults through leisure time activities and public awareness campaign, and support a dedicated funding source for this purpose.

  • Support legislation making the following a criminal offense:

    A04557 ­ A. Sports rage in the presence of a minor

    A06192 ­ B. Physical assault to a sports official.


Therapeutic Recreation Issues

  • Support legislation recognizing therapeutic recreation employees equally with other therapeutic services, particularly in the areas of licensure and professional status.


Facility Issues

  • Support legislation to allow localities being heavily impacted by development to use money required in the subdivision process to preserve open space through the purchase of development rights.

  • Support increased funding to the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), and maintain or increase the municipal parks component of this grant program.

  • Support legislation requiring utilities to provide electric and gas to not-for-profit youth serving organizations at the residential rate, including outdoor field lighting.


If you are interested in any of the issues mentioned, you can receive copies of pertinent legislation, summaries, and its current status at http://assembly.state.ny.us/ALIS/.

 

2009 Federal Platform 

  • The Legislative Committee supports the positions of the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association regarding federal legislation. Highlights of these positions include:

  • Support permanent restoration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR), and other related programs through a Conservation Trust Fund.

  • Support the Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity IMPACT Act, ­ the Play Every Day Act, No Child Left Inside, and other legislation aimed at preventing chronic diseases and obesity.

  • ­ Continued and increased funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program.

  • Inclusion of therapeutic recreation services as an ancillary therapy service, eligible for Medicare reimbursement, in any proposed change in rules and regulations.

  • Support Increased Funding for the following programs/initiatives:

    A. Historic Preservation Fund

    B. Highlands Conservation Act

    C. Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission


Contact the National Recreation and Park Association for more information on national issues at www.nrpa.org, or the American Therapeutic Recreation Association at www.atra-tr.org.

 


Legislative Advocacy Center

Contact Your Elected Officials
Click here to find your New York State Assemblyman!
Click here to find your New York State Senator!
Click here to find a United States Senator!
Click here to contact the office of Governor!


Find a Bill
Click here to research current New York State bills!
Click here to research current Federal bills!


Therapeutic Recreation Resources
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification
New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association


Other Helpful Legislative Resources
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Land and Water Conservation Fund
National Recreation and Park Association Public Policy
United States Executive Branch
State and Local Government on the Net
Legislative Issues of the Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Association
Wildlife Conservation Society "Take Action"
Legislative Gazette


Legislative Reference Materials
Delivering The Message
Cyber "How To" ­ Using the Internet as a Legislative Tool
How to Write an Effective Lobbying Letter
How a Bill Becomes Law ­ The Process
Advocacy Guidelines for Public Employees
Writing Your Legislator

To become actively involved in legislative efforts on behalf of the New York State Recreation and Park Society, or to comment on our Legislative Platform, contact Richard Rose at RLRose@co.orange.ny.us.