Topline:
California leaders pledged $6.75 million to fund another year of the program that allows people to check out state parks passes at libraries. The program was previously on the chopping block.
Why it matters: Entry fees to state parks and state beaches — $20 per vehicle in the summer high season — are often cited as a major barrier that keeps lower-income Californians from visiting.
Almost cut: In Gov. Gavin Newsom’s initial 2024-25 budget proposal released earlier this year, the program was slated to be cut. But the program was revived in the latest agreement between the governor and state legislative leaders.
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The background: The Los Angeles County library system alone has loaned out almost 10,000 passes since the program began. In Orange County, libraries loaned out nearly 10,000 passes just last year.
