Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) on the November 5 Ballot

MRPA wants to provide educational information around a constitutional amendment that will be on the upcoming November 5 ballot -- the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Reauthorization. The ENRTF has provided more than $1 billion in Minnesota State Lottery proceeds for more than 1,600 projects since 1991. The current allocation is for 40% of state lottery proceeds to be directed toward the fund, and this current arrangement expires in 2025.

The ENRTF reauthorization to extend the arrangement for another 25 years will be on the statewide ballot on November 5. A “Yes” vote means proceeds from the state lottery will continue to be dedicated to the ENRTF. Leaving the selection blank on the ballot means the same as a “No” vote. Over 50% of voters must vote “Yes” to approve the constitutional protection.

MRPA encourages members to share this information. The Secretary of State’s office has provided the ballot language and instructions:

From the Secretary of State: Ballot Language and Instructions

Voters will have the following constitutional amendment ballot instructions and question on their ballot on November 5, 2024:

Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment will have the same effect as voting no on the amendment.

To vote for a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “Yes” on that question. To vote against a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “No” on that question.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?

Yes

No

About the ENRTF from the Legislative Citizen-Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR):

In 1988, 77% of Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing the ENRTF (Article XI, Sec. 14) - a constitutionally dedicated fund that originates from a combination of Minnesota State Lottery proceeds and investment income. The purpose of the ENRTF is to provide a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's "air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources" for the benefit of current citizens and future generations. Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $1.1 billion to over 1,700 projects around the state. Visit https://www.lccmr.mn.gov/ to learn more.

The Secretary of State’s office has provided additional information at the following links:

·       For people to see their sample ballot: mnvotes.gov/myballot

·       For a spreadsheet of compiled ballot questions that will be on different ballots across the state including other local environmental ballot questions: https://www.sos.mn.gov/media/6162/questions-on-2024-state-general-election-ballot.xlsx