Question on Minnesota ballot to decide whether state lottery will fund conservation efforts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – With Election Day set for Tuesday, there is one issue on the ballot that could impact Minnesota’s environment.

What’s the question?

The question for voters is whether they want to extend some of the state lottery funds for the environment and natural resources. One political scientist at the University of Minnesota says the foundation was founded in 1988.

“There are no new taxpayer dollars. This is state lottery money. If you don’t play the state lottery, it won’t affect you at all,” said Larry Jacobs, a political science professor at the State University of New York. Minnesota.

For 35 years, 40% of Minnesota Lottery revenues have gone to protecting drinking water sources and water quality in lakes, rivers and streams. In 1998 it was resumed. On Tuesday, voters will be able to decide whether they want to renew it for another 25 years.

“About a billion dollars have already been spent on the environment. Minnesotans are passionate about the outdoors, and so they back it up with their hard-earned dollars,” Jacobs said.

It also includes preserving wildlife habitat and natural areas, and increasing access to parks and trails.

What do they say

Jacobs says there was widespread support for the fund’s vote. However, some Republicans criticized the trust fund update.

“There are Republicans who are now criticizing this for several reasons. One is that the legislature will no longer play any role. The final decision will be made by the DNR commissioner,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs says that given the heat in the race for the White House and a potential coup in the Minnesota House of Representatives, the lottery question of how important this could be may have been overlooked.

“Below is a constitutional amendment on whether 40% of state lottery funds should continue to be dedicated to the environment and natural resources,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs adds that if voters want to approve it and move forward with the extension, they will have to fill in the “yes” box. If you skip this question, it will continue as a down vote.

If it doesn’t pass, the money would go back into the state’s general fund and then state lawmakers would decide what to do with it.