Outdoor And Arts Amendment

Outdoors, arts amendment heads to ballot
by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio
February 14, 2008

Minnesota voters will decide this fall whether to raise the state sales tax to benefit the outdoors and arts.

St. Paul, Minn. — The House and Senate voted overwhelming Thursday to pass a consitutional 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.

The Nov. 4 statewide ballot will ask voters if they want to amend the Minnesota constitution to include a dedicated funding provision to protect hunting and fishing habitats, water sources, parks and trails, and the state's arts and cultural heritage. The sales tax increase of three eighths of one percent would generate nearly $300 million a year for 25 years.