We agree with one aspect of the editorial by the Sacramento Bee concerning paying for parks; that idea which allows for a voluntary paying of additional car registration fees that could go for the upkeep of parks.
Voluntarism is the cornerstone of philanthropy, and it plays a major role in protecting and enhancing public resources.
In most cases, it is preferable to taxing, and, during economic uncertainty, more effective.
An excerpt from the Bee Editorial.
“We'd like to see legislators revive the idea of former Assemblyman John Laird of Santa Cruz to increase the vehicle license fee by $10. In return, any car with California license plates would get free entrance to all state parks.
“If Republicans who signed a "no new taxes" pledge could not stomach a mandatory fee, make it a voluntary check-off every time motorists register a vehicle. A similar proposal in Montana passed a Republican legislature and was signed by a Republican governor. About 75 percent of Montana motorists voluntarily pay.
“If 75 percent of California's 28 million motorists voluntarily signed on, that would raise about $210 million for state parks. That would entirely replace the state's general fund contribution of $140 million, plus allow state parks to catch up on a big backlog of repairs.”
