Ask your legislators to pass I-Will with no changes in the funding formulas :
( the 3/8 Cent sales tax for the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund)
In 2010, 63 percent of Iowa voters gave overwhelming support to a constitutional amendment that would allow increased investment in Iowa’s parks, recreation and clean water through a 3/8 cent sales tax. All that is needed is for the sales tax to be approved.
Ask your legislators to pass a 3/8 cent sales tax with no changes in the funding formula.
Email, addresses, and phone numbers for Senators
Email, address, and phone number for House Members
Article VII Section 10 of the Iowa Constitution created a Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund (Trust) that is to be supported by a sales tax of 3/8 of one cent. This trust fund is to be used “for the purposes of protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in this State including parks, trails, and fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving agricultural soils in this State.”
Expanding funding for Iowa’s parks and natural areas, enhancing water quality, and conserving agricultural soils will be good for all Iowans.
The Trust would provide significant funding for wildlife habitat, parks, nature preserves, trails, REAP, lake restoration and other free recreation opportunities to ensure the next generation of Iowans could enjoy open spaces and outdoor recreation. Low-income families have fewer options for recreation than higher income families. State parks currently are free and charge nothing to park a vehicle. The Iowa Legislature has exempted a number of items from sales tax, including food and medical equipment, resulting in a less regressive sales tax. Because the necessities of life are exempt from sales tax, this tax is fair.
It is time to fund water quality and to create a sustainable revenue source for the Department of Natural Resources. The best way to do this is to implement the 3/8 cent sales tax that Iowans approved in 2010 by 63 percent of the voters.
Read about Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund (3/8 cent sales tax)
