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TV Selling of the "Legacy Amendment" begins
It may go down as one of the more unusual, if temporary political alliances in Minnesota history. "They always say that politics makes for strange bedfellows," notes Taxpayers League and former legislator Phil Krinke, "and certainly, in this case, very strange." Supporters of the Arts Groups and the state's sportsmen's groups are often at arms' length, but this fall, they have linked arms to push an amendment to the State Constitution. The proposal is dubbed "The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment". A non-profit advocacy group called "Vote Yes Minnesota" is pushing for passage. Ken Martin is leading the group. "I have no doubt that Minnesotans, have in the past, and they certainly will this November, do the right thing in investing in our quality of life in this state." On the other side of the issue is Krinke. "I think what the Vote Yes people are trying to do here is to lull people into believing that this is not a huge tax increase." The amendment does include a tax hike. If passed, it would raise the state sales tax by 3/8th of 1% for 25 years beginning in July of 2009. Martin defends the rise, even in a tough economy. "On a $100 purchase, the average Minnesotan would end up paying about $.38 on a hundred dollar purchase. And an average household of 4 in this state would end up paying around $56 more a year, which is really a small investment to pay for the things that we really value in this state." Krinke sees the sales tax increase differently. "It may only be pennies, but over the time that accumulates to what is over, what would be over 300 million dollars on an annual basis." "Vote Yes" says 33% of the $300 million is earmarked for the Clean Water Fund. Another 33% goes to fish, game and wildlife habitat. 20% helps fund the state's Arts groups and cultural institutions, while the remaining 14% goes to parks and trails maintenance and improvement. Krinke thinks 20% is too much for the Arts. "Yes, I think it is out of proportion and the situation is fixed for the next 25 years... I am not sure that the sportsmen and the outdoor enthusiasts really understand that a lot of this money is not going to truly benefit them in the sense that they want." Both sides are concerned that their issue will be lost in the "clutter" of the Presidential, Senatorial and Congressional races in Minnesota this November. "Vote Yes" has begun airing TV spots urging Minnesotans to vote in the affirmative on November 4th. The spots have no mention of the Arts, but feature scenic shots of Minnesota with the accompanying narration. "For generations, Minnesota's River, Lakes and Streams have been a source of safe clean water, but Today over 40% of tested waters are polluted, failing to meet even basic health standards. And over 1,000,000 acres of wooded lands and natural areas will be lost over the next 25 years if we don't act now. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment is our best chance to protect these critical resources before it's too expensive or too late. Vote 'yes' on November 4th." Martin insists that later TV spots will mention the Arts funding. "Vote Yes" intends to spend $3-5 million in the 5 weeks until the election.
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