Constitutionally Protected Trust Fund will Assure Sustainable Funding for Environment

March, 2008...A bill has been introduced in the Iowa Legislature as the first step toward directing 3/8 cent of sales tax revenue toward protecting and enhancing water quality, soil and water conservation, parks and trails, fish, wildlife and natural areas.

This Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, established by a constitutional amendment, would provide an additional $150 million per year for these vital needs that sustain our quality of life, our health, and our future.

This bill will NOT raise taxes
In Iowa, taxes cannot be raised by a constitutional amendment. However, constitutional amendments can dedicate a portion of tax revenue to certain activities. If this bill (currently numbered as SJR 2002) becomes law, and WHEN sales taxes are increased in Iowa in the future, the first 3/8 cent of the new tax must be earmarked or dedicated to this new Trust.

Why sustainable funding?
Increased and protected state funding is essential to provide key benefits across Iowa:
 Cleaner water
 Positive economic impacts
 Sustainable agriculture and soils
 Outdoor recreation opportunities close to home where Iowans can enjoy and appreciate healthy activities, nature, and Iowa’s beauty.

Why a constitutional amendment?
Sales tax revenues are much more stable than the state budget. With a constitutional amendment that guarantees 3/8 cent of sales tax revenue to conservation, there will be predictable and steady funding for important long-term programs for a healthier environment.

What’s the process to establish the sustainable funding?
A vote of the people, as well as a vote of two different legislative bodies, is needed.
1. The 2008 Iowa Legislature passes the joint resolution to place the issue on public ballot.
2. The 2009 Iowa Legislature passes the same joint resolution.
3. Iowans would vote on the resolution in a statewide election. A simple majority is needed for its passage.
4. The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund begins accumulating when Iowa sales tax is increased.

What’s needed now?
Iowa legislators need to know of your support for sustainable funding for protection of natural resources in Iowa. If the joint resolution is not passed in the Legislature within the next two months, the process will be delayed two years.

Please call your senator and representative and tell them why dedicating a portion of Iowa’s sales tax for protection of water, air and soils in Iowa is important to you. For information on how to contact your elected officials and to receive alerts on this important legislation, please go to our Legislative Action Alert section of our website, by clicking on the ICALL link to your left, on the blue side bar.

And watch this area of the site for updates on conservation funding for Iowa.