A Promise to Iowa
In 2006, the forward thinking of our legislators to propose and support the concept of sustainable funding for Iowa's natural resources, and their request for diverse organizations to represent their Advisory Committee, was an indicator that this is an important issue for all of Iowa. The result of securing funding for natural resources will provide benefits across Iowa such as cleaner water, positive economic impacts, sustainable agriculture and soils, and outdoor recreation opportunities where Iowans can enjoy and appreciate healthy activities, nature, and Iowa's beauty. In August 2006, the Advisory Committee began their work to meet the legislative mandate under House File 2797 and provide information and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly.
During the 2007 legislative session, under Senate Resolution 50, the Legislative Council appointed an Interim Study Committee to continue the study and assess ways to address Iowa's needs for today, tomorrow, and the future. On 01/28/08, after thoughtful and thorough evaluation, inquiries, presentations, and discussion, the Interim Committee unanimously approved their final report to recommend support and action for the wide-reaching and diverse benefits sustainable funding will provide to Iowans and Iowa's natural resources.
Iowa's Neighboring States
Many states are establishing or working toward ways to provide sustainable funding for their natural resources and have spent years to get to the point Iowa is at. Iowa is on the leading edge of investing in the comprehensive benefits natural resources would provide. On 11/02/07, legislators and leaders from MN, MO, MI, and NC presented to the Legislative Interim Committee. Their common messages were:
- Protection, enhancement, and management of our natural resources are vital to all Iowans and the legacy we leave to future generations.
- Investments in Iowa's natural resources reap great economic benefits.
- If we want to expand Iowa's workforce and attract visitors to the state, we need to provide outdoor recreation and natural resource amenities that provide opportunities they seek and require, and have the financial ability to support and maintain those investments.
- The dedicated tax constitutes irrefutable evidence that Iowans want action and recognize the need to save Iowa's natural areas and other special places.
- Stable funding fosters long term vision and partnerships needed to uphold the promise of a quality environment for all Iowans.
As we know, Missouri has been funding their natural resources with great success for many years and Minnesota has been working for ten years to get funding for their natural resources. On 02/14/08, Minnesota passed a bill which sailed through the House and Senate allowing voters to decide on a constitutionally protected increase in the state sales tax. In November 2008, the people "spoke" and the initiative succeeded.
Action from Iowa Legislators
On 02/21/08, Senate Study Bill 3217, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to protect a portion of state revenue (3/8 of 1 cent) for natural resources, was introduced and passed the Senate Natural Resource Committee unanimously. In follow up, legislators introduced Senate Joint Resolution 2002, a Joint Resolution that proposed an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa to dedicate a portion of state revenue for the benefit of the state's natural resources. It also establishes the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. SJR2002 does not raise taxes - it is an opportunity for the people to vote to protect funding for natural resources. On 04/25/08, Iowa legislators overwhelmingly voted in favor of SJR 2002. This was one passage. In Iowa, a constitutional amendment needs to pass two different General Assemblies before it can go to a vote of the people, which can occur as early as 2010.
The 2008-2010 Charge of the Advisory Committee - HF2580
On 04/11/08, legislators requested the continuation of the diverse organizations that make up the Advisory Committee until January 2010 under HF2580 with reports being due January 9, 2009, and January 8, 2010, to the Governor and General Assembly. Under this bill, two organizations were added to the Advisory Committee: LICA (Land Improvement Contractors Association) and IRR (Iowa Rivers Revival).
The legislative charge notes: The purpose of the advisory committee is to continue the efforts of the sustainable natural resource funding advisory committee established pursuant to 2006 Iowa Acts, chapter 1185, section 43. The committee shall
- study how to provide one or more sustainable sources of funding for natural resources and outdoor recreation needs in Iowa, and
- advise members of the general assembly in efforts to establish or administer sustainable funding sources.
The report dated 01/09/09 focuses on the HF2580 charge.
|
