Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment proponents believe it is clear that the new dedicated funding is intended to supplement, not supplant existing sources and levels of funding for environment and natural resources programs. In fact, the language now in Minnesota's Constitution says, "The dedicated money under this section must supplement traditional sources of funding for these purposes and may not be used as a substitute."
What does this language mean specifically? Traditional sources of funding for Minnesota's parks and trails include the state general fund, dedicated funds like the Lottery in Lieu Sales Tax and park camping and permit fees, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and capital bonds.
How will this new funding impact the biennial budget process now underway? What impacts will a state budget deficit projected to be in excess of $1 billion have on traditional levels of park and trail funding?
These are questions Parks & Trails and amendment partners are seeking to help define. With a significant state budget deficit casting a long shadow over the 2009 legislative session, ensuring that traditional sources and levels of park and trail funding are protected is absolutely critical. Amending the Constitution to provide new park and trail funding sources only to lose traditional revenue would be a grave injustice to the Minnesota voters who overwhelmingly voted in support of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
Parks & Trails will vigorously oppose budget proposals that would exploit the new Legacy Amendment funding to supplant existing general or dedicated funding for the operations and maintenance of Minnesota's state park and trail system. We will be working with partner organizations and coalitions in developing and implementing offensive and defensive strategies.
