Outdoor, arts amendment headed to MN voters

05/20/2007

By Mark Brunswick,
Star Tribune
May 20, 2007


Voters are likely to find a constitutional amendment on their 2008 ballot asking whether they want to change the state's constitution and raise the state sales tax to fund fish and wildlife habitat, clean up the state's waters, and fund arts and cultural heritage programs.

In an early morning vote as the Legislature began winding down toward its Monday adjournment deadline, the House voted 86 to 46 at 2:23 a.m. Sunday after nearly 4 1/2 hours of debate to approve the constitutional amendment.

Almost a decade in the making, the measure would, if voters approve, raise the state's sales tax 3/8ths of one percent for 25 years. It is expected to generate about $291 million a year.

The House bill calls for divvying up the funds with 25 percent for fish and wildlife habitat, 25 percent to protect and restore waters, 15 percent for parks and trails, 10 percent for the arts and cultural heritage, and 10 percent to be used to fund the programs as the Legislature deems necessary.

It would take effect in July 2009.

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