From fitness centers to movie theaters, parking lots and hardware stores, seniors are generously provided discounts by numerous retailers and service providers - including our National Park Service. As pertaining to fishing, state after state generously extend senior discounts on fishing licenses, but NOT in California.
In California an annual adult resident freshwater fishing license currently reflects a cost of $51.02. Healthy, non-native, non-disabled seniors are NOT provided discount other than if their annual income were to register less than $11,181, a number which is $1,300 below the current federal poverty line. For whatever the reason, our state has chosen a position that is noticeably contrary and seemingly out of step.
I randomly researched 2020 resident fishing license regulations of 15 states, all but 2 offered senior discounts. For purpose of this study, I used 70 years of age, even though many states provided senior discounts beginning at age 65. Below are a few examples by state of their respective adult resident license fee and their corresponding senior fee,
Washington $29.50 - $7.50 / Colorado $35.17 - $9.85 / Montana $31.00 - $20.50 / New Mexico $25.00 - $8.00 / Oregon $44.00 - $29.00 / even high tax based New York $25.00 - $5.00
On behalf of all California fisherpersons, please consider taking action that will hopefully initiate a license fee review, followed by subsequent legislature directive to issue a new Senior Fishing License that will provide discount without income restriction to California seniors beginning at age 65.
KEEP OUR STATE IN STEP WITH OTHERS - CLICK ON THE BELOW LINK AND SIGN OUR PETITION
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For more information, please contact Ron Escue at escueautopro@aol.com