Brown Vetoes Parks Bill

Sacramento, CA — Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill designed to make it easier for outside groups to get information about state parks set for closure.

33 parks are scheduled to be closed next year, including Railtown 1897 in Jamestown.

“This bill would order state park staff to put certain information on the internet and answer inquiries about park closures,” said Brown in his veto message. “A good idea, but not one that needs a law.”

SB386 was introduced by Republican Senator Tom Harmon as a way to help groups interested in operating the parks to get information quickly.

Brown took a swipe at Harmon by adding, “What the parks do need is sufficient funding to stay open — something I feel compelled to note the author and his colleagues refused to let the people vote on.”

Harmon was one of the GOP lawmakers that blocked a vote earlier this year to extend many temporary tax increases that have now expired.