Dan.

I too have thought of our state's famous "black hole" effect regarding our general fund. That has been/is a contributer to our funding woes for sure but I want to stick to my guns on my $1 tackle tax idea. Here are some additional points to consider that I haven't previously mentioned:

1) If the tax was introduced as a bill in the legislature, it can be worded however the sponsor (my local rep.?) wants it to be. One would insert language clearly outlining that the money is to be channeled directly to WDFW for hatchery funding and research and does not go to the general fund.

2) If worded as such, it also obligates WDFW to use the money for that and only that so they also cannot dilute it into unrelated programs.

3) One can argue that it is "another tax" but I would think a politician would be frothing at the mouth over and idea like this because it would relieve them of constantly being hammered to come up with satisfactory funding.

4) The money would bring some stability and predictability to the hatchery program. It seems like year in and year out we are always wondering if this or that program will survive or be cut. Cripes! When was the last time the dept had stable funding over, say, a decade so they could establish and build a successful program instead of wondering themselves what and what not to pursue?

Again, this idea seems a small price to pay (not that we haven't paid enough) to gain some stability and enhancement for our sport fisheries.

Salmo G. You opened this can of worms......your thoughts?