Friends and neighbors,
Minnesotans will see a Constitutional Amendment on their 2024 ballots which pertains to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The question posed to voters will be:
“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?”
As it currently stands, 40% of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds go toward the ENRTF fund. The Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) meets to dedicate ENRTF funds to specific projects, and the legislature approves those chosen projects. This amendment would reauthorize the process for 25 years – a drastic change from the usual 10 years – and increase the cap on the amount of funds that can be spent every biennium from 5.5% to 7%. While the language sounds wonderful, the implementation is very problematic for two reasons: it would remove the legislature from the decision-making process and overhaul how the funds are allocated, neither of which are explained in the ballot question language.
Removing legislative oversight over ENRTF funds would make it hard for your elected lawmakers to adjust or redirect funds if necessary and would remove the voice of the people from the equation. It would put all the power in the hands of unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats. Additionally, the new allocation process would exclude critical local projects aimed at improving water quality – all projects that should be funded through this program.
As with many of the Legislative initiatives Minnesota has witnessed over the last two years, this is yet another extreme measure to remove the voice of the people and hand the reins over to appointed bureaucrats with their own agenda.
When this ballot measure came before the legislature, I voted no. Minnesotans deserve transparency in the project selection process, and the way this measure is written, it would only limit public input and remove oversight over taxpayer dollars. If the amendment does not pass, the Trust Fund would remain; however, the money generated from the lottery would then be directed to the general fund for the legislature to allocate.
Important Tax Reminder
As a reminder, if the June flooding or storms prevented you or your business from filing your taxes on time, you can request a penalty abatement to get more time to file. Eligible taxpayers in Itasca County who had MN tax returns or payments due from June 16-Jul 4 have until November 1, 2024 to request an abatement to avoid penalties or interest. More information on how to request a penalty abatement can be found here.
Contact me
If you have any questions or comments about the issues we are working on, please contact me anytime. My email is [email protected] or you can call me at 651-296-7079.
Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/SenatorJustinEichorn.
It is a privilege to serve you!
Sincerely,
Justin D. Eichorn
Minnesota Senate District 6
