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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL)

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House Approves Final Omnibus Legacy Bill

Monday, May 20, 2013

ST. PAUL, MN – Lawmakers in the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Legacy bill this afternoon by a bipartisan vote of 77-57. Pending a vote in the Senate, the legislation is set to be signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton.

The Omnibus Legacy bill funds 100 percent of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council recommendations without altering the makeup of the Council, takes serious steps to address Minnesota’s growing groundwater problem, enhances our state and regional trail systems, and maintains a strong commitment to arts programs.

“Minnesotans are proud of our historically strong support for the arts and our environment,” said Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL—Minneapolis), the bill’s chief House author. “This is a strong Legacy bill that helps maintain that proud tradition into the future. We provide the resources needed to enrich our communities and keep our land, water, and air clean and healthy throughout Minnesota.”

Funds for the four Legacy funds over the next biennium are allocated as follows:

  • Over $100 million for the Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • Over $194 million for the Clean Water Fund
  • Over $84 million for Parks and Trails Fund
  • Over $115 million for the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund

Outdoor Heritage Fund:

Per the Constitution, Outdoor Heritage Funds must be used “only to restore, protect and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for fish, game and wildlife.”

The bill incorporates 100 percent of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) recommendations. It does not alter the makeup of the Council.

Clean Water Fund:

The Clean Water projects in the Omnibus Legacy are designed to address the present and growing groundwater problem throughout Minnesota. It prioritizes the areas of greatest need and appropriate funds to departments that are best suited to handle each type of issue.

33 percent of the Legacy funds are devoted to this area. A heavy emphasis was placed on funding projects with measurable outcomes.

Parks and Trails Fund:

Funding for this component is broken down into three primary areas: DNR State Parks and Trails (40 percent), Metropolitan Council Parks and Trails (40 percent), and parks and trails of regional significance in Greater Minnesota (20 percent).

The bill focuses on continuing the development and interconnectedness of Minnesota’s nationally recognized and awarded trail system. It comprises 14.25 percent of the Legacy funds.

Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund:

Funding for this component comprises 19.75 percent of the Legacy Funds. Over 50 percent of the funds go to arts programs, primarily through the Minnesota Arts Board and the Regional Arts Councils, with over $2 million in additional funds compared to the previous biennium. Funds are also allocated to the Minnesota Historical Society, public TV, public radio, and the Humanities