Eleanor Finch
This year, every Minnesotan will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that will decide whether to continue a program that allocates funding from the Minnesota Lottery to the state's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The amendment will continue a years-old program that has provided over $1 billion for conservation and the protection of Minnesota's lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife habitats. Voting YES on the amendment will ensure that lottery funds continue to be used for the great outdoors and for funding programs that protect the state's natural resources.
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What You'll Learn
Protect drinking water sources
In 2008, Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to the state constitution, which included a commitment to protect drinking water sources. This year, voters will decide whether to continue this amendment, which allocates funding from the Minnesota Lottery to the state's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
The question on the ballot specifically mentions protecting drinking water sources and improving the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams. This is important because it addresses the need to ensure that Minnesota residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. The amendment also seeks to conserve wildlife habitats and natural areas, improve air quality, and expand access to parks and trails.
The ENRTF provides funding for environmental projects across the state, including smaller municipalities that need financial support to improve their water filtration and processing systems. This amendment would continue the program that allocates lottery proceeds to the ENRTF, ensuring a stable source of funding for vital environmental initiatives.
Voting yes on this amendment would demonstrate a commitment to protecting Minnesota's natural resources and ensuring that funds are directed towards these environmental efforts. It would also show support for the specific initiatives mentioned, such as improving water quality and conserving wildlife habitats. By allocating funds from the lottery to these purposes, Minnesota can continue its dedication to environmental protection and enhancement.
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Improve air quality
The 2024 General Election in Minnesota features a ballot question on improving air quality, among other environmental initiatives. The constitutional amendment proposes to extend the allocation of proceeds from the state lottery to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The ENRTF has been critical in funding projects that enhance outdoor recreation and protect natural resources, including air quality.
The ballot question reads: "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?"
Voting "YES" on this amendment will ensure the continuation of funding for various environmental initiatives, including improving air quality. The ENRTF has provided over $1 billion for Minnesota's outdoors, and this funding has helped protect ecosystems, improve health outcomes, and support businesses and jobs across the state.
By voting "YES," Minnesotans can continue the legacy of environmental stewardship and ensure that future generations can enjoy the state's natural resources. It is important to note that leaving the ballot question blank or not voting at all counts as a "NO" vote. The amendment needs a majority of voters to vote "YES" to pass. Therefore, active participation in voting "YES" is crucial to ensuring the continuation of funding for improving air quality and other environmental initiatives in Minnesota.
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Support wildlife conservation
Voting 'yes' on the Minnesota constitutional amendment will support wildlife conservation in several ways. The amendment seeks to protect drinking water sources and improve the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams. This will positively impact aquatic wildlife and their habitats. The amendment will also help conserve wildlife habitats and natural areas, ensuring that various animal species have safe spaces to live and thrive.
Additionally, the amendment will expand access to parks and trails, providing more opportunities for people to connect with nature and support wildlife conservation efforts. It will also enhance the state's natural resources, including its air, water, land, and other wildlife habitats. This means that the amendment will address various environmental issues, such as improving air quality, which will benefit both wildlife and humans alike.
The Minnesota constitutional amendment will also provide funding for environmental projects across the state. This includes funding for projects related to wildlife conservation, such as protecting and restoring habitats, as well as supporting environmental education and awareness initiatives. The amendment establishes a grant program to expand the diversity of fund recipients, ensuring that communities adversely impacted by environmental degradation can receive support.
By voting 'yes' on the Minnesota constitutional amendment, you will help ensure that Minnesota continues its dedication to wildlife conservation and the protection of its natural resources. This amendment has provided critical funding for these efforts over the past 30 years, and voting 'yes' will ensure this important work continues.
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Expand access to parks
Voting "yes" on the Minnesota constitutional amendment will help expand access to parks and trails. The amendment proposes to extend the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). This will provide funding for projects that improve access to parks and trails, conserve water quality, protect wildlife habitats, and enhance natural resources.
The ENRTF has played a crucial role in protecting Minnesota's natural resources and supporting communities. Since its creation in 1988, it has provided over $1 billion for the state's outdoors, including ecosystems, local communities, outdoor recreation, health outcomes, environmental equity, agricultural resiliency, and businesses. Voting "yes" on the amendment will ensure that this funding continues, with an additional focus on expanding access to parks.
The amendment includes a new provision that reserves 1.5% of funds for projects in underserved communities. This will help ensure that smaller organizations and communities have access to the funding, promoting equity and inclusion in the distribution of resources. It will enable the state to address environmental degradation, related health concerns, and the preservation of natural resources like air, land, water, forests, and wildlife.
Voting "yes" on the amendment is a way for Minnesotans to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the state's natural resources and expanding access to parks for all residents. It is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community and the environment. Leaving the ballot question blank or not voting at all counts as a "no" vote, so it is important for supporters of the amendment to proactively vote "yes."
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Support the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
Voting "YES" on the Minnesota constitutional amendment will help to protect the state's environment and natural resources. The amendment will continue a decades-old program that allocates funding from the Minnesota Lottery to the state's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
The ENRTF was first established in 1988, and since then, it has provided over $1 billion for conservation efforts, including the protection of Minnesota's lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife habitats. The fund has also been used to improve health outcomes, pursue environmental equity, and support strong businesses and good-paying jobs across the state. By voting "YES", Minnesotans can ensure that this critical funding source remains dedicated to the state's natural resources and outdoor spaces.
The amendment would also help to protect drinking water sources and improve water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams. It would conserve wildlife habitats and natural areas, improve air quality, and expand access to parks and trails. This is particularly important as Minnesota is not a referendum state and doesn't typically put initiatives on the ballot, so voters usually don't have a direct way to influence policy.
The ENRTF will play a crucial role in addressing emerging challenges to Minnesota's natural resources. It is essential that this funding be protected and continued to ensure the state's long-term environmental and economic health. Voting "YES" on the constitutional amendment is a powerful way for Minnesotans to make their voices heard and demonstrate their support for conserving the state's natural resources.
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Frequently asked questions
The amendment is about continuing to dedicate a portion of state lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
The amendment was first approved in 1988, allocating 40% of Minnesota Lottery's revenue into the ENRTF. The fund has provided over $1 billion for the outdoors and has helped protect ecosystems, aid local communities, promote outdoor recreation, improve health outcomes, pursue environmental equity, bolster agricultural resiliency, and support businesses and jobs.
Voting yes will ensure that lottery funds continue to be used for the outdoors, including funding programs that protect Minnesota's lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife habitats.
Not voting on the ballot question counts as a "no" vote. The proposal needs a majority of votes to pass.
You can cast your ballot by mail or in-person before or by November 5, 2024. You can find more information on voting procedures and polling locations on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
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