‘Yes’ or ‘no’ on the sales tax increase?

This November, voters across Minnesota will face the choice of whether to increase the state sales tax and constitutionally dedicate that extra money toward the arts, clean water and wildlife habitat.

It’s the culmination of a statewide effort that began 10 years ago. Here’s the 10-minute version of what it means to you.

The vote
Voters will be asked if they approve raising the state sales tax, beginning July 1, 2009, by three-eighths of one percent. The increase will stay in effect until 2034.

The increase is expected to raise $271 million per year. A majority “yes” vote on the ballot question will amend the state’s constitution so that money will be divided as follows:
• 33 percent for water quality,
• 33 percent for wildlife habitat,
• 19.75 percent for arts and cultural resources, and
• 14.25 percent for parks and trails.

Who decides where the money goes?
According to Win Mitchell, Minnesota Chairman of Ducks Unlimited, a council consisting mostly of citizens, with some legislators on board, will make recommendations for how to spend the environmental, wildlife and habitat money.

The arts and cultural funding will be overseen by the Minnesota State Arts Board, according to Vote Yes Minnesota communications director Charlie Poster.

Poster said the method for distributing clean water, parks and trails money is still being determined. He expects it will be a similar process allowing citizen influence on which local projects get funding.

For more on this story, including local viewpoints and what the proposed sales tax increase might cost you, see the Leader’s Oct. 2 print edition.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)