Dear Member/Visitor:
On May 5, 2011, City Hall released a proposed budget slashing funding for the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium by more than 50 percent. If passed, this could force layoffs, program cuts and hurt local merchants and small businesses in New York.
Each year, while four million guests and students at Wildlife Conservation Society parks learn about the wonders of wildlife, they pump more than $316 million into the City’s economy, creating jobs for New Yorkers, supporting small businesses and generating tax dollars for our city.
Lawmakers face an incredible number of competing demands during budget season. That’s why we need to let them know that New Yorkers care deeply about our zoo and aquarium and that we’re paying close attention to their next move.
Cultural organizations like these are essential to the economic lifeblood of New York City. We know that cities and states across the country are trimming budgets and reining in spending, but cutting funding for organizations that create jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars is simply not the answer.
Thank you for standing with us.
Sincerely,
Janet Torres
Director of Government Affairs and Community Affairs
Wildlife Conservation Society