Our current economic crisis has hit Massachusetts just as it has hit the rest of our country. Unfortunately, in developing budgets for the state, often it is the environmental sector that gets hit the hardest. Since 2001, the percentage of the state budget environmental agencies have received has dropped from 1.1% to just .77%. Similarly, when Governor Patrick was forced to make mid-year budget cuts, environmental agencies again saw a decrease in their funding. To ensure Massachusetts' place as a leader on environmental issues, it is imperative to restore funding to these agencies. Therefore, we call for a comprehensive and responsible Environmental Budget that will guarantee Massachusetts reaches the goals set forth by legislation last year in the areas of climate change, green jobs and many more.