Boat Registration Fees to Increase

[trapshoot]

Hello;

As you all have seen there is a bill HB 1037 that will increase the boat registration fees. Here at MSSA we oppose this bill. MSSA is asking all members and all anglers that oppose the increase to click on the link below. This link will take you to our website. At the site you will see the letter we have composed and where you can input you name and address on the right. When you enter this informationa and hit send the message, an email will be sent with that letter in your name to the Govenor and your state delegates that you oppose the increase and asking them to oppose it also. . It will also send a message to numerous newpapers.


MSSA needs your help to stop the increase. If you oppose the increase please follow the link below..

Thank you.

Vince Ringgold
President MSSA.

http://www.votervoice.net/link/targe.../rbqMMJ6F.aspx

[shoreboy6]

I don't understand why the MSSA opposes the increase? Wouldn't the additional funds go towards the DNR and more importantly the NRP? It appears to me that the DNR is playing catch up with the rest of the state agencies.....

[Fish nut]

I don't understand why the MSSA opposes the increase? Wouldn't the additional funds go towards the DNR and more importantly the NRP? It appears to me that the DNR is playing catch up with the rest of the state agencies.....

Frst, I don't speak for the MSSA

These funds will not go directly to DNR, NRP. The increase is supposedly to pick up where the Army corp. of engineers has left off since they will no longer be directing the dredging and maintenance of navigate able waterways. With slow economy and dwindling boat sales, funds are at an all time low. To begin with there is no oversight of the current system, at the least no audits or delegation of priorities have been set. So do the funds need to be raised? The state has not demonstrated at this time a clear and present need other than we need to have it. Maybe they do. Maybe they don’t. Also there are no assurances that this is not a fee and that the monies can’t be raided by the general fund. Additionaly, a increase of such proportions may have other adverse affect on the states boating industry directly as well as the indirect supporting industry.

[hackeyfly]

My understanding is that the COE will continue to be responsible for dredging waterways that support commercial traffic. Waterways that support industry and security type traffic. Is this correct?
Pat in Joppa

[shoreboy6]

If the increase is meant to go towards the General Fund of the State to try and balance their budget or recoup some deficit, I completely understand why anyone is against the increase. But, if the increased revenue is to go towards helping maintain waterways or support the enforcement of laws on those waterways I am willing to pay the extra money. But I also want to see where the funds are appropriated and a measurable benefit. I, like most on here probably, pay the DMV a lot of money in tag renewals so I don't see this increase as anything detrimental.

[trapshoot]

Thanks for the responses. Understand that the increase for a small boat from 16' to 32' is a 500% increase. This is a hugh increase that is not acceptable. And like said before the monies are sleighted to go to the general fund and there are no assurances that the monies can’t be raided by the general fund. We just do not know with this bill if the monies will ever get to be used for the proper purpose. These concerns are why MSSA is opposing the bill.

[Z28YJ]

It is HB 1307, not 1037.

[trapshoot]

you are right. sorry fat fingers. Bill HB1307 not 1037. thanks for the ocrrection

[finatic Jason]

I have already e-mailed my local reps. and they have responed to tell me they are against the bill.

[carl lazar]

This present governer is trying to raise any and everything he can. Sales tax, liquor tax, septic tax and I could go on and on. This state is out control with spending and trying to make us pay for it. I would not be surprised if the pention plans are underfunded also and I forgot about the gas tax. Hold on guys we are in for a rough ride until he gets out.