by Jan Mitchell
Voters will accept or reject an amendment to the Minnesota state Constitution in November. The Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment would increase the state sales tax by 3/8 of a cent to generate dedicated funds for the next 25 years – 33% for clean water, 33% for restoration and protection of habitat, 20% for arts and culture, and 14% for parks and trails. This measure is expected to provide about $300 million per year, at an annual cost to the average household of about $60. The League of Women Voters supports this measure for several reasons:
• state funding for these purposes is less than 1% of the budget – a 30 year low.
• 40% of tested rivers, lakes and streams are contaminated.
• development threatens a million acres of natural lands.
• reliable funding is essential for efficient long-term planning.
• a broad constituency is served by this amendment, including future generations.
The Northfield/Cannon Falls League will host a forum to consider this measure on October 23rd – location TBA.
REMINDER – Minnesota law provides that any voter who leaves a blank on the amendment proposal is counted as voting AGAINST it.
Comments
So much money has been wasted on environmental issues. Not because the money isn't going for a good cause. The money is wasted because of the way it is applied. Laws must include certain measures to prevent large losses. Pre testing on a smaller scale should be one of the mandatory steps, as should be thorough research and networking with other states and countries that have similar issues.
T he location for this meeting is still TBA... is there a location set, yet?
It's very important for people to not just have a "gut reaction" to this issue but to actually understand the "LIVING" nature of our MN constitution as opposed to some other states, the high bar for amendment, the dispersal of $$ if this amendment passes, and the opportunity for planning that it would afford to the legislative process.