This action alert went out on the Sierra Club’s Iowa list. Apparently the Iowa Senate approved this constitutional amendment on a strong bipartisan vote. House members need to hear from you about this effort to secure sustainable funding for natural resources and outdoor recreation.

The amendment does not raise the sales tax, but it stipulates that the next time the legislature raises the state sales tax, 3/8 of a cent of the increase must be dedicated to natural resources and outdoor recreation programs.

The full action alert, with background on the amendment and a sample letter to a legislator, is after the jump.

Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

SJR2002 ACTION NEEDED

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

wildlife.

Recently, a bipartisan Iowa Legislative Committee, working closely with several conservation/environmental/agricultural groups, recommended that Iowa set aside a dedicated fund to protect and enhance Iowa’s natural resources.

SJR 2002 would amend Iowa’s constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowa ‘s 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.

SJR 2002 is an important initial step–it’s important today, and vital for future generations.  This bill would put a question on a future ballot

asking Iowans create a fund specifically for Iowa’s water and soil quality, parks and wildlife.

ACTION NEEDED:

We are encouraging everyone to contact their Representatives to vote YES for this proposal on the floor of the House. Below is a sample email that you may personalize–always be sure to include your name and mailing address on an email to a Legislator.

You may find your Representative by going to this weblink and using your address or 9-digit ZIP code:

http://www.legis.state.ia.us/F…

Simultaneously, we are already working on the House Natural Resources Committee.  This is the link to the members of that committee

http://www3.legis.state.ia.us/…

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       It’s our promise that Iowa ‘s natural resources will be here for future generations.

It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesn’t 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 state’s natural resources

o       What it doesn’t do:

              This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales tax-only 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

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Representative:

Please support legislation that would create a constitutionally protected Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.  The bill was approved unanimously by the Iowa Senate.

It is critical that Iowa improve its water quality, provide natural areas including parks and trails, protect fish and wildlife habitat and conserve precious soils.

A legislatively created bipartisan committee that includes Iowa ‘s leading agriculture, outdoor, wildlife, and natural resource advocates came together to unanimously recommend constitutionally dedicating 3/8 cent of the next sales tax increase for Iowa ‘s natural resources.

Your support of this measure this year is critical.  This is so important to Iowa and our future; and so important to me as an Iowan.

Sincerely,

Your Name, Your Address