Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
Status: Passed November 4, 2008
Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment by a margin of 56% on November 4, 2008.
Credit: yesformn.org
Beginning July 1, 2009, the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment will increase the sales and use tax rate by three-eighths of one percent on taxable sales until the year 2034 to dedicate funding to:
- Protect drinking water sources.
- Protect, enhance and restore wetlands, prairies and forests, as well as fish, game and wildlife habitat.
- Preserve arts and cultural heritage.
- Support parks and trails.
- Protect, enhance and restore lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater.
Four different and specific funds (outdoor heritage fund, parks and trails fund, clean water fund, and arts and cultural heritage fund) and one account (sustainable drinking water account within the clean water fund) were created for the monies to be deposited in. The dedicated monies must supplement traditional sources of funding for the above purposes.
Local Commentary
Outdoors, Arts Amendment Heads to Ballot
Minnesota Public Radio, February 14, 2008
The House and Senate voted overwhelming Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment bill that failed to get through last year's session. If approved by voters in November, the measure would dedicate millions of dollars to enhance specific state resources, including wildlife habitat and arts and cultural programs.
Constitutional Amendment for Arts, Environment to be on November Ballot
MNDaily.com, July 16, 2008
A landmark presidential race, a contested Senate seat and numerous local and state races will be on election ballots on Nov. 4, but some Minnesota activists hope voters don't overlook the proposed amendment to Minnesota's Constitution that will be up for vote as well.
Protecting Minnesota Wildlife, for a Price
Minnesota State Reporter, October 28, 2008
Currently in Minnesota, 40 percent of all tested waters are polluted. The Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment that will appear on the 2008 election ballot will provide funding for the restoration of wetlands and wildlife habitats the cleaning of polluted waters, preserve trails and parks, and support for arts and cultural heritage.
Updates & Results
Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment by a margin of 56% on November 4, 2008.
"Minnesota voters are willing to pay to protect our waters and natural lands for our children and grandchildren,"
Submitted by L Lawrence at: March 6, 2009
It will be exactly like the money generated from the lottery. It will never be enough, they'll keep asking for more, and we'll never have any measurable results. The scare tatics and mis-information used to pass this bill were ridiculous.
Submitted by Gerry at: February 8, 2009
Are there measurable and accountable criteria that the amendment's success will be measured? What is the average water quality now and what is expected by 2034? What steps are taken so that the goal is reached? How many acres of wetlands today, how many are expected by 2034? etc. I fear this is a non-measurable program like so many others. I strongly believe in the cause, I just fear that we don't know where we are going or how to get there... but let's be sure we spend all the money!