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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
Press/News Releases
LEGISLATURE PASSES "LEGACY ACT" IN FIRST WEEK OF SESSION
Lawmakers tackle long-awaited dedicated funding bill first
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota legislature passed the "Legacy Act" today on the third day of the 2008 Legislative Session. The bill will put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that, if passed by voters, would dedicate a portion of the state sales tax (3/8 of one percent) to Minnesota's game, fish and habitat resources, our parks, and arts. Rep. Tom Anzelc, (DFL-Balsam Township) supported the legislation and was encouraged that it passed with bi-partisan support in the House of Representatives by a margin of 85-46. The bill passed in the Senate 46-17.
"The identity of our great state is directly connected to our natural resources and environment," said Anzelc. "This legislation will give voters a choice to establish a reliable funding mechanism so our children can inherit and enjoy quality hunting and fishing, as well as the beauty of our great state. I live in the Chippewa National Forest and want my grandchildren to have a high quality northwoods experience."
Minnesota's environmental funding has declined in recent years. Impaired waters, invasive species, forest fragmentation, and a number of other environmental challenges present the Legislature with tough fiscal choices as it works to preserve Minnesota's natural resources. The "Legacy Act" would provide consistent and coherent long-term funding in order to adequately address these issues.
An important component of the "Legacy Act" is the long-term commitment of critical funding for efforts to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) over 40 percent of Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams are considered "impaired." In the last two years, 300 bodies of water in Minnesota have been newly added to the state's impaired waters list. There are fish consumption advisories on more and more lakes as well.
"The challenges facing our lakes and rivers are immense," said Anzelc. "If we let this problem get worse, we could significantly damage the state's supply of quality water. This legislation addresses that concern directly."
The Legacy Act will direct 33% of the dedicated funds to the "Outdoor Heritage Fund" to be spent on habitat for game, fish, and other wildlife. Another 33% will be dedicated to the Clean Water Fund that will be spent to protect and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams. The remaining dedicated funds will be directed to the Parks and Trails Fund and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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News Items
- STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANZELC APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE - (Posted: Dec 21 2012 12:00AM)
- Rep. Tom Anzelc participates in Governor Dayton’s “Working for Minnesota Jobs” discussion with Essar Steel and Magnetation - (Posted: 2012-10-03 00:00:00)
- REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
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