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,

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]

Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp