Ballot breakdown: How voting yes supports Minnesota’s environment
Have you explored a section of the Superior Hiking Trail? Fished from an accessible fishing pier on the St. Croix River? Wandered past pollinator gardens in Minneapolis parks? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve benefited from lottery proceeds that have been dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s air, land, and lakes.
Over 30 years ago, Minnesotans voted to dedicate a portion of state lottery proceeds to conservation. Since then, over $1 billion has been invested in our great outdoors. Today, the lottery funds over $80 million annually to help ensure every Minnesotan can enjoy and benefit from a healthy, thriving environment.
With early voting underway and election day nearing, Minnesotans have the chance to renew this important funding source.
What’s on the ballot?
A question to renew lottery proceeds for the environment will be on the front page of every Minnesotan’s ballot. Sample ballots are available from the Secretary of State. The question reads:
Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?
Voters have the option to select yes or no. Leaving the question blank counts as a “NO” vote. So, vote “YES” if you want to keep lottery proceeds working for Minnesota’s great outdoors.
Expanding conservation dollars
If the ballot measure passes, the existing grant program to deliver lottery proceeds to environmental projects through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund will continue. But, there’s a bonus! Thanks to work done by BIPOC leaders, mainstream environmental groups, and Environmental Initiative during the 2023 legislative session, a new Community Grants Program will also be created.
This new program increases the amount of lottery funds that go towards the environment and creates a more equitable pool of funding. About $20 million a year will be available for smaller nonprofits, Tribes, and BIPOC-led organizations through the program.
Historically, much of the ENRTF funding has gone to large, well-established organizations. The new Community Grants Program will ensure greater equity in the distribution of funds, allowing smaller organizations to address environmental challenges in their local areas.
Environmental Initiative is continuing to work in partnership with BIPOC environmental leaders and mainstream environmental organizations to inform the design of the new Community Grants Program, which will be administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources if the ballot measure passes.
How you can help
Now is the time to start conversations with friends, neighbors, and colleagues about the importance of voting “YES” to protect Minnesota’s great outdoors. Visit the Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors website to get connected to campaign resources to help spread the word.
Businesses, nonprofits, community groups, and local governments can also sign on to endorse the effort. More than 145 organizations, including Environmental Initiative, are working together to ensure this important funding source for the environment continues.
Every vote counts in securing and expanding this vital funding until 2050. Together, we can continue building a future where clean air, healthy forests, accessible parks, and vibrant lakes remain a cornerstone of Minnesota life.
Contact Rachel Geissinger with questions or to learn more about Environmental Initiative’s work to renew lottery proceeds for the environment and ensure the fund is more accessible to all Minnesotans.