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Committee Hearings Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2002
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About the Debate:
The Committee passed SF 1589 - a bill that proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution dedicating 3/16th of one percent of the state sales tax for natural resource purposes. The amendment allows for the creation of a dedicated fund for wildlife, land and water
conservation, and parks, trails and zoos. The fund would collect an estimated $115 million per year and would be in effect for 21 years.

The money will be appropriated by law as apportioned as follows:

50 percent in the Heritage Enhancement Fund for improvement, enhancement and protection of the state's natural resources; (the bill also establishes a 15 member Heritage Fund Council)

22.5 percent for state parks and trails;

22.5 percent for metropolitan park and trail grants;

Three percent for local trail grants; and

Two percent for the Minnesota Zoological Garden, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth.

The amendment would be placed on the November, 2002, ballot and would take effect on July 1, 2005.

The bill passed and was referred to the Finance Committee.