Tag: Legacy Amendment

Minnesota House approves Legacy Amendment Investments

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed compromise legislation to protect and enhance the outdoors, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails. The bill invests $645.6 million generated by Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment in these four priorities. The investments will benefit people and communities across Minnesota for years to come. 

“Minnesotans care deeply about our state,” said Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL – North St. Paul), chair of the Legacy Finance Committee. “We are proud of our great outdoors, clean water, arts and culture, and parks and trails, and we want to preserve and enhance them for current and future generations. Investing in these priorities will make our state an even better place to live.” 

In 2008, Minnesotans voted to adopt the Legacy Amendment, which increased the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent. The revenue this constitutional amendment generates is divided between four funds. 66 percent of the revenue is split evenly between the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Clean Water Fund, 19.75 percent goes to the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and the Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent. All of these funds are appropriated every two years except the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which is appropriated annually.  

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Minnesota House Approves Legacy Amendment Investments

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation that invests $630 million of Legacy Amendment funds. The legislation funds the outdoors and the arts across Minnesota and passed with bipartisan support on a 103-23 vote.

“Minnesotans care about our state and cherish the things that make it such a special place to live,” said Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL – North St. Paul), Chair of the House Legacy Finance Division. “The Legacy Amendment has supported thousands of initiatives in communities across the state since it was adopted a decade ago with overwhelming support from voters. This legislation will make Minnesota an even better place to live and preserve and enhance our great outdoors and rich heritage for future generations.”

Minnesotans voted in favor of adopting the Legacy Amendment in 2008. This constitutional amendment increased sales taxes by three-eighths of one percent for 25 years and divided the revenue between four funds. The Outdoor Heritage Fund and Clean Water Fund each receive 33 percent of the revenue. The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and Parks and Trails Fund receive 19.75 percent and 14.25 percent, respectively.

The legislation includes Outdoor Heritage Fund investments of $127.69 million that would protect and enhance 10,020 acres of wetlands, 108,384 acres of prairies, 14,598 acres of forest, and 8,216 acres of aquatic habitat. It also supports efforts to restore habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. This section of the bill is largely identical to recommendations provided by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Continue reading “Minnesota House Approves Legacy Amendment Investments”