Letter: Amendment is bad public policy | West Central Tribune
Weather Forecast   Letter: Amendment is bad public policy   A
Minnesota group, "Sportsmen for Change," backs a constitutional
amendment that would dedicate a portion of the state sales tax
for the outdoors and the arts. If passed, this amendment would
generate $300 million a year for 25 years -- a tax increase of
$11 billion.  I am an avid outdoorsman. However, I strongly
believe that this amendment would be a big mistake for
Minnesota. It's bad public policy as it would set a guaranteed
state funding precedent.  If passed, a council would recommend
allocation on $100 million per year for fish and wildlife
habitat. This council will be made up of four elected
legislators and eight unelected and unaccountable citizens. The
Legislature will control the actual appropriations and could
make different funding decisions.  The state gives enough money
to the Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies
that help govern the outdoors. Last year