GPHA Members Need to Contact State Legislators. Now is the time for the tourism industry to contact all 253 members of the General Assembly and urge them to RE-ESTABLISH TOURISM FUNDING AT THE ORIGINAL 2008-09 FY LEVELS IN THE 2009-10 FY. Last week, a Republican-crafted $27.3 billion alternative to Governor Ed Rendell's $29.0 billion budget proposal passed the Senate. The Governor's budget calls for a 40% reduction in funding for tourism marketing. The Senate version includes greater funding reductions to tourism programs.

The Senate's vote is not the end, but it is really the start of the budget process.

The Senate is on a three-week recess and the House will follow at the end of this week.

Now is the time for the tourism industry to contact all 253 members of the General Assembly and urge them to RE-ESTABLISH TOURISM FUNDING AT THE ORIGINAL 2008-09 FY LEVELS IN THE 2009-10 FY.

Members need to take action now. Please mail a letter or send an email to your local Representatives & Senators. In addition, ask your employees to send letters or emails to their legislators, too.

A sample letter and contact information for all 253 state legislators can be found at www.patourismequalsjobs.com, This new website also contains talking points, postcards, a power point presentation, and other resources.

Your efforts over the next three weeks will make the difference and communicate the importance of proper tourism funding.

For further information, contact Barry Wickes at bwickes@patourism.org or 717-232-8880x101.

From the May 13, 2009 Newsletter of the PA Tourism & Lodging Association - (found here)