Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, 66th Assembly District, confirmed passage of A2769-a/S7657-a in both houses of the NYS Legislature. This legislation would allow New York City residents to direct money on their tax returns to the New York City Parks, Trees and Urban Forestry Fund. “It is critically important to take this step to replace our dead and dying street trees. Our resource starved Parks Department can only do so much without the influx of dollars this tax check-off can provide,” Glick stated.

The Fund will be used for planting of trees and shrubs, park preservation and expansion, and maintenance and improvement of botanical gardens. “I am pleased that we have been able to add botanical gardens to the legislation. It is important to maintain those green oases as much as possible,” remarked Glick.

Trees, shrubs, and other greenery are critical to maintaining New York City’s livability. Recent news of the continuing erosion of the earth’s ozone layer serves to emphasize the urgency to reduce the effects created by burning fossil fuels. Glick said, “City trees produce oxygen, reduce pollution and noise and can lower heating and cooling costs. I feel confident that the citizens of New York City will respond generously to a Fund that will improve their lives and the lives of their neighbors.”

“I am hopeful of the Governor signing this bill. This check-off fund for trees is a voluntary means of providing money for neighborhood livability without costing government,” commented Assemblymember Glick. The Senate sponsor of this bill is Senator Jose M. Serrano.