I forgot to request that when you contact your legislators about this issue
and they reply--please send me their comments so we can track the responses.

Thanks!
Jane Clark
[log in to unmask]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim H Clark" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 4:44 PM
Subject: Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation!


> Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.
> Proposed Constitutional Amendment
>
> Any questions may be referred to me.
> Thanks!
> Jane Clark
> [log in to unmask]
>
> 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 .
>
> SSB 3250, which passed the Iowa Senate Natural Resources and Environmental
> Protection committee yesterday, 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.
>
> Senate Study Bill (SSB) 3250 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. As soon as the bill is filed, it
> will
> be renumbered as a Senate Joint Resolution (by 3/11 or 3/12).
>
> ACTION NEEDED;
> We are encouraging everyone to contact their Senators to vote YES for this
> proposal on the floor of the Senate. 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 Senator or Representative by going to this weblink and
> using your address or 9-digit ZIP code:
> http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/
>
> 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/ga/committee.do?id=28
>
> 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 Senator/Representative:
>
> Please support legislation that would create a constitutionally protected
> Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.  The bill was approved
> unanimously by the Senate Natural Resources Committee, and soon will be
> eligible for debate in 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,
>
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