Sustainable Funding Legislation

            Last week, the Iowa Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Committee unanimously passed an amended Bill SSB 2052.It has new Senate File number, SJR 2002. You can refer to the legislation as the Natural Resources Sustainable Funding Constitutional Amendment.

The language amends the constitution of the State by creating a Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Fund within the treasury for the purpose of protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in this state including parks, trails, and fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving agricultural soils in this State. Money in the fund shall be exclusively appropriated by law for these purposes.

The fund shall be annually credited with an amount equal to the amount generated by a tax rate of three-eighths of one percent of revenue collected by this State from a sales tax imposed upon the retail sales of tangible personal property and the furnishing of enumerated services sold in the State.  No revenue shall be credited to the fund until the tax rate for the sales tax imposed upon the retail sales ..has been increased.

            Next step: SJR 2002 as amended goes to the Senate floor. After passing the Senate it then goes to the house to be assigned to House Natural Resources Committee.  The next funnel date it will face is March 28 by the House.

            Assuming it is passed by both Senate and House this session, it will need to be reaffirmed next year 09. It would then be placed on the general election ballot in 2009 or 2010.

            It is extremely important that the Senate pass SJR 2002, with an overwhelming majority. This bill goes to the full Senate next week, please makes your calls or emails this week. Sending a message to House Natural Resource Committee and the full House how important this piece of legislation is to Iowans. The House is going to be a harder sell, they arent hearing from enough people. The window of opportunity to keep this legislation moving is limited. Emails are fast and easy to use, but a personal touch is very effective, a phone call, many legislators go back home and have town meetings. One on one conversations are the best, please be polite and respectful. Ive listed the talking points of this legislation; it will help you get your ideas across, at the end of this letter. Please dont stop with the legislators we need all Iowans to be involved, please share this with family and friends.

We need a three prong attack:

1. Contact your Senator

2. Contact all members of House Natural Resource Committee

3.  All members of House

How to find your Legislator
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/
When you find your legislator it will show their address, email and in most instances their phone numbers.
           

I know we have all spent a lot of time this winter trying to keep deer hunting in Iowa intact, but this really needs your attention. Every hunter, fisherman, camper, birder, biker, runner, anyone who spends time outdoors needs to be contacting their legislators. I can not think of piece legislation ever, that would give all Iowans more recreational opportunities and a better quality life. Not to mention what it will do for your kids and grandkids.

            If you send an email would you please Cc a copy to me, Id like to be able to show all legislators a very thick stack of letters. Cc to tayphoto@netins.net

Thank you

Talking Points for SJR 2002

Proposed Constitutional Amendment for Sustainable Funding of

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Ø     For many years, Iowa has failed to commit the funds necessary to protect and enhance Iowas natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. There are serious unmet needs before Iowa will have healthy water, land and wildlife.

Ø     Senate Study Bill (SJR) 2002 is an important initial step in determining if we will be able to reverse this trend. Its important today, and vital for future generations.

Ø     SSB 3250 would amend Iowas constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowas sales tax must be dedicated to protect and enhance:

o      Water quality,

o      Natural areas including parks and trails,

o      Fish and wildlife habitat, and

o      Soil conservation.

Ø     This funding would be constitutionally protected in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, audited annually and cannot be spent for any other purpose.

o      The trust fund would protect natural resources and achieve conservation in partnership with state and local agencies as well as non-profits.

o      This constitutional amendment is our promise to Iowans of healthier water quality and wildlife and a top-notch system of parks and trails.

o      Its our promise that Iowas natural resources will be here for future generations.

Ø     SJR 2002 is the result of two years of research and study led by bi-partisan members of the Iowa legislature along with many of the states leading conservation, environmental, sportsmen, and agriculture advocates.

Ø     Iowans believe protecting and enhancing the condition of Iowas land and water benefits everyone and they support dedicating additional funds for these critical natural resources.

Ø      If SJR 2002 is adopted and our constitution is amended, Iowa would join many of its neighboring states in dedicating funds to enhance our natural resources

o      Missouri currently dedicates a share of state sales tax revenues to enhancing  natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities

o      Minnesota voters will consider a similar proposal this fall.

Ø     It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesnt do

o      What it does

§       It ensures that IF the legislature raises the sales tax, 3/8 of a cent must be dedicated to enhancing our states natural resources

o      What it doesnt do

§       This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales taxonly the legislature can do that.

§       Even if this constitutional amendment is adopted, only the legislature can approve the sales tax increase that would be needed to provide funding