F.A.Q.

Amendment 1 is a ballot measure in the upcoming November election that asks voters whether to continue using proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery to fund the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). This fund is dedicated to protecting and enhancing Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

This amendment is crucial because it ensures that a portion of state lottery proceeds will continue to be dedicated to environmental conservation efforts in Minnesota. Since 1991, the ENRTF has directed over $1 billion towards projects that purchase land, construct trails, fund environmental research, improve fish and wildlife habitats, and more.

Amendment 1 proposes two key changes:

• Increase in Annual Draw: It increases the annual draw from the ENRTF from 5.5% to 7%, allowing for more substantial annual investments in conservation projects.

• Funding Allocation Adjustments: It removes the ability to use ENRTF money to pay off debt for wastewater projects, while still allowing funding for wastewater research.

Voting for this amendment does not raise or impose any new taxes or fees. It simply continues the existing dedication of lottery proceeds to the ENRTF. Currently, about 50% of lottery proceeds go to the general fund, with the rest going into the trust account.

If the amendment does not pass, the lottery proceeds that currently go into the ENRTF will be redirected to the state's general fund, where their allocation will be determined by the legislature. This could jeopardize the funding for many ongoing and future environmental projects.

The distribution of the top line revenue for the Minnesota Lottery is structured as follows:

1. Prizes: A significant portion of the revenue, about 60%, is allocated to paying out prizes to winners.

2. State Programs: The remaining revenue is divided into several funds:

   • Minnesota General Fund: 24.5% of the revenue supports various state services.

   • Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund: 6.5% funds projects to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment.

   • Game and Fish Fund: 1.1% is used for conservation efforts related to wildlife and fisheries.

   • Natural Resources Fund: 0.4% supports state parks and trails.

These distributions ensure that lottery proceeds benefit both individual winners and the broader community through environmental conservation and state services.

The Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League of America is joined by a broad coalition of over 130 conservation groups, businesses, and government entities supports Amendment 1. This includes organizations like the Nature Conservancy, REI, the Audubon Society, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Pheasants Forever, and many others.

The ENRTF has funded a wide range of conservation projects, including:

• Purchasing land for public use and natural resource management

• Constructing and maintaining trails for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities

• Environmental research projects, including studies on invasive species and clean water initiatives

• Wildlife habitat improvement and restoration projects

• Educational and research centers, such as the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota and the National Loon Center in Crosslake

While there has been some controversy regarding the legislative process for selecting projects, particularly in 2022, the concerns were procedural rather than about the projects themselves. The projects funded by the ENRTF have generally been well-received and have significantly benefited Minnesota's environment.

To pass Amendment 1, more than 50% of voters must vote “yes.” Leaving the question blank on the ballot counts as a “no” vote. It is essential to actively vote “yes” to ensure the continuation of this funding.

You can support Amendment 1 by:

• Voting "yes" on the ballot measure in the upcoming election

• Spreading the word to friends, family, and community members

• Participating in local campaigns and events organized by the coalition supporting the amendment

• Educating others about the importance of this funding for Minnesota's environment

For more information, you can visit the websites of the campaign at: https://www.mngreatoutdoors.org/about