Ask Governor Scott not to waste state funds to promote alligator products
Last week the Florida Legislature approved a state budget for 2013-14. The budget is filled with grants for hundreds of small programs, including $250,000 for "alligator marketing." Gov. Scott has the power to veto specific items in the budget. On Friday, Gov. Scott told the Miami Herald: "It's Floridians' money. They expect it to be spent wisely. So I'll be going line by line and making sure we don't waste any dollars."
Budget items 1435 ($100,000) and 1756 ($150,000) are intended to promote alligator meat, leather and by-products. On alligator farms in Florida, thousands of these magnificent animals are killed each year. Farmed alligators often live in dirty, crowded, unnatural conditions in concrete or metal tanks. Disease is commonplace, and slaughter is inhumane.
Alligators are part of what makes Florida unique. These amazing animals have existed for millions of years and should not be treated as commodities. (photo: inside an alligator farm in Florida)
You Can Help
Please contact Gov. Scott and politely urge him to veto budget items1435 and 1756 that would promote alligator products.
Contact:
Office of Governor Rick Scott
Phone: (850) 717-9337
Email: www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor
Sample text (it's best to use your own words):
"Dear Governor Scott:
As a Florida resident, I urge you to use your line-item veto power to reject the $250,000 for alligator marketing that is included in the recently passed state budget. The State of Florida should not be in the business of marketing the meat and skin of alligators."
Visit ARFF's website to learn more about alligators in Florida.