From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jim H Clark
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 6:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources

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/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 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