Legislative & Election Updates

Minnesota voters overwhelmingly support lottery dedication

One of the most important issues on the ballot for Minnesota voters this year was the question of whether the state should continue to dedicate 40% of the net proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) until 2050.

The ENRTF has been a critical source of funding for environmental projects, including many parks and trails projects, as well as the DNR local grant programs. As we mentioned previously, GMPT officially endorsed the approval of this amendment. 

Voters overwhelmingly supported this amendment, with 77.2% of voters voting yes. This affirmation also means that the amount of money that can be spent each year will increase from 5.5% to 7.0% of the ENRTF’s market value. In addition, a new grant program will be created to provide funding for environmental projects in underserved organizations and communities. We will monitor this new program as details emerge, but we believe it could serve as another avenue for funding for our members, particularly the smaller ones.

Divided Minnesota House leads to bi-partisan committee leadership

For the second time since the Minnesota Legislature ran under party labels, the control of the Minnesota House is equally divided between the GOP and the DFL. The leaders of both caucuses are still working out the details on how to share power, but they have announced that each committee will be governed by two co-chairs, with one appointed from each party. 

The two House committees that will impact our work are the Legacy Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee. Both committees will be governed by a DFLer from the metropolitan area and a GOP member from Greater Minnesota. Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa) and Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL-Maplewood) will co-lead the environment committee. Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL-Brooklyn Center) and Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano) will co-lead the Legacy committee.

Stay tuned for more announcements on the upcoming legislative session. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.