If you're voting this November in Minnesota, please take some time and be educated about the new CONSTITUTIONAL amendment proposed on the ballot.
I personally disagree with this proposal, but I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't think reading the words for the first time at the ballot box really gives you the information you need to say yes or no. If you chose not to read up on the proposal, please abstain from voting on it.
It's easy to read the wording and think "yes I want to protect our drinking water", "yes I want to support our parks and trails", "yes I want to preserve our art and heritage".
**This is why I think you should vote NO**
* We pay enough in taxes. Minnesota is one of the worst ranked states in the nation for attracting business due to our taxes .
* We have elected officials that we pay to manage our budget on a 2 year cycle. Let's hold them accountable to allocating funds where needed, given the state of our economy.
* Do we really need MORE money for our natural resources and the arts?? The Department of Natural Resources has a 2-year budget of $1.5 billion. A portion of the state lottery proceeds goes to the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The market value of this fund is currently at $415 million. In addition, in fiscal year 2008, the Minnesota State Arts Board gave away $5,146,926 in institutional support, $109,750 to American masterpieces, $626,573 to institutional presenter support, $57,000 to series presenters, $59,000 to artist initiative, $95,000 to cultural community partnerships,$7,262 to K-12 arts challenge Minnesota, $115,000 to organizational support, and $113,128 to school support.
* What's next? Do we need constitutional amendments for every special interest group out there? What about raising taxes and dedicating an amendment for education, health care, social security, etc. Many individuals argue that it's been done before (2006 - Transportation increase). That doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
If you'd like to read the exact wording of the amendment, here is a link.
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H2285.4.html&session=ls85
Read more!
