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Outdoors Legacy Amendment headed to voters
Minnesota voters will get to decide whether to tax themselves to protect wildlife, water and their state's cultural heritage. The bill known as the Legacy Act made it through both chambers of the Legislature Thursday. Because it involves a constitutional amendment it goes straight to the November ballot. "Clean water, conservation, hunting, fishing and our cultural legacy," Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller told reporters, "That's what this is about." The state's outdoors enthusiasts, environmentalists and the arts community came together at the Capitol to watch history unfold. The vote, which has been promised last session, marked the end of a ten year effort to set aside money for restoring natural habitat. "Do I think a constitutional amendment would've been the best way? No!" former State Senator Bob Lessard explained, "But I became convinced the only way we're going to do it with a constitutional amendment." If the amendment is approved by voters in November three-eighths of a penny would be added to the state sales tax, roughly four cents for every ten dollars spent. Supporter estimate it would come to about $50 per year for the average consumer. That statewide sales tax is currently six and a half cents, and some local cities have been granted permission by the legislature the option to add local sales taxes on top of that. The money raised will go into a fund dedicated to the outdoors and the arts. Lessard said putting it in the constitution guarantees that wildlife and water don't have to compete against schools, health care, transportation and other budget priorities. "People need to realize that this is not a tax increase by the Minnesota senate or the house, it's letting people decide. I don't know how strongly I can emphasize that!" Now comes the campaign to sell it to voters, which will likely be spearheaded by the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance. It's composed of 45 different organizations, including Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited. During floor debate in the Senate Wednesday afternoon Senator Julianne Ortmann predicted it will be a hard sell. "We are going to ask poor, unemployed and elderly Minnesotans to find more money out of their budgets to subsidized arts programs, trails and zoos?" On the House floor, Mark Buesgens argued the measure as it now is worded will be voted down. "The people are going to realize that this isn't what the Constitution is for. This simply the bastardizes the Constitution. They're not going to stand for it!" But amendment supporter Dave Zentner said to him it's the best way to reclaim what's been lost in Minnesota since he first arrived here in 1955 at the age of 19. "Clean water, prairies, health of our wetlands, wildlife population, and diversity. When I came here there was a legacy waiting for me." Supports believe the tax, which would remain in place for 25 years, will generate $276 million by the year 2011. The money would be divided as follows: 33% - Outdoor Heritage Fund 33% - Clean Water Fund 19% - Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund 14% - Parks and Trails Fund 5% - Sustainable Drinking Water
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