Can Iowa keep its green funding in the black? | GazetteOnline.com - Cedar
Rapids, Iowa CitySustainable Fundiing Clip from CR Gazette
Can Iowa keep its green funding in the black?
By Charlotte Eby
Des Moines Bureau
DES MOINES - When the state faces lean times, money for environmental
programs, conservation and outdoor recreation seems to be the first to be
cut, advocates say.
Those advocates are behind an amendment to Iowa's Constitution that would
earmark a portion of state sales taxes for natural resources funding.
Other states have passed similar measures, and nature lovers across the
state are hoping Iowa will be next.
"I look at it as, everybody in Iowa benefits from these kinds of projects,
whether it be parks or other kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities or a
cleaner environment," said Andrew Hug, an advocate for Environment Iowa.
The money raised from the tax would go for such projects as helping farmers
control soil erosion, which can impair Iowa waterways, or creating and
maintaining wildlife and fish habitats. Other money would help maintain
recreation trails and state parks.
The proposal would reserve 3/8 of a cent of the next sales tax increase for
natural resources funding. It's estimated such a tax would bring in $150
million per year.
The proposal has several hurdles before it could become a reality.
The idea already passed the Iowa Legislature last year but would now need
approval from the new Legislature being sworn in Tuesday. If it gains
approval again from lawmakers a second time, the proposed constitutional
amendment would then go before voters.
Even if voters approve the measure, it wouldn't mean an immediate tax hike.
The Legislature would have to approve a new increase in the sales tax, a
step some doubt will happen in tough economic times.
Rep. Henry Rayhons, R-Garner, served on a panel that studied sources of
sustainable funding for natural resources and is optimistic voters would
back a measure meant to improve Iowa's environment.
"Even with the economy down, I would guess that it would still have strong
support," Rayhons said.
Money raised from the sales tax could be used for lake dredging, improving
water quality and better park facilities, shelters and recreational areas,
Rayhons said, as well as to build new trails for cyclists, pedestrians and
snowmobiles.
Mark Ackelson, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, said Iowa
ranks near the bottom in spending for natural resource conservation and on
parks and trails.
"It's never risen to the priority that it should in Iowa," Ackelson said. "I
think there are always competing demands. When there are budget cuts, it's
one of the first places budgets are cut, and consequently our natural
resources continue to deteriorate."
Despite the complicated process to get it approved, Ackelson is optimistic
the measure has support and points to Minnesota and Missouri, which have
worked to establish stable funding sources for natural resources.
"They're very difficult to get in place - we all acknowledge that - but once
they're there and people can see the results, they become even more
supportive," Ackelson said.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines, has opposed the idea
because he doesn't believe in changing the constitution for this purpose.
"If you amend the Constitution to protect parks or trails, why not do it for
children's health care?" McCarthy said.
McCarthy acknowledges that the idea, supported by a wide coalition of
outdoor groups, likely will have overwhelming support in the Legislature
again.
But he believes the approval of an actual sales tax increase will be an
uphill climb.
"I think that becomes very controversial and that becomes a pretty hefty
debate," McCarthy said. "It's my judgment that a lot of the people (who)
support the constitutional protection will never vote to actually increase
the sales tax."
Ed Failor Jr., president of Iowans for Tax Relief, said the organization is
taking no position on the issue. But he likes that voters will have a say in
the matter and that the funds would be constitutionally protected to ensure
government officials couldn't spend the money on something else.
"It is the way the process should work. The people are going to have a
voice," Failor said.
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