To the editor:
This summer, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed by the US Congress. The President has already indicated support for this legislation. In addition to providing much needed repairs to some of our nation’s most beautiful places, this bill will also create many job opportunities. This act will fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and allocate billions of dollars to address projects on the maintenance backlog of the National Park Service.
Many of us, including me and my family, travel around the country to see these special places that have been given the distinction of “National Park.” It is also important to note how passage of this bill will impact the Hoosier state. Indiana Dunes National Park, George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial are all eligible to receive repairs from this bill. Indiana is rich in natural resources and beautiful natural public areas. It is so important to preserve and protect the natural beauty and wildlife of our state. The pandemic has served to remind us how important getting outside in nature is to our well-being.
This bill is not only a great step forward for maintaining our parks and renewing our country’s commitment to preservation, but also shows bipartisan collaboration and cooperation. The bill passed the Senate 73-25. The maintenance and beauty of our national parks is not a partisan issue and this vote illustrates that.
I am running to be a state representative for Indiana District 93. Conservation and protection of our shared resources, like our parks and public lands, lands squarely in the Environment plank of my four E’s platform (Education, Employment, Environment, and Equality for All). If elected, I will be a strong advocate for conservation and respect for our environment in the state house.
There are so many concerning and divisive issues in the news today. Let’s pause and celebrate the good news today. The Great Outdoors Act has been passed with strong bipartisan support. We can find common ground. This bill is good for our country and good for Indiana.
Angela Elliott
Greenwood
