A new poll conducted by MPR and the Humphrey Institute finds that an overwhelming majority of Minnesotans oppose the new sales tax increase constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot this November. The poll surveyed people likely to vote in the 2008 election and found 72% opposed to the amendment, which would increase the state’s sales tax by 3/8% to fund "the arts and outdoors." Just 22% support the measure, with 6% undecided.

The proposed constitutional amendment is the final touch on a legislative session that was characterized by tax hikes, borrowing and budget expansion. The measure will require approval by the voters this fall. Based on the results of the MPR/Humphrey Institute survey, passage doesn’t appear likely at this point, but there is a concerted effort underway to promote the amendment. 200 environmental and arts organizations are pushing the tax hike with their "Vote Yes" campaign which launched in May.

The ballot question reads "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide funding beginning July 1, 2009, to restore, preserve, and enhance the state's fish and wildlife habitat and other natural resources; to protect the state's drinking water sources; to protect and restore the state's lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and groundwater; to support the state's parks and trails; and to support the arts and cultural heritage of the state by increasing the sales and use tax rate by three-eighths of one percent on taxable sales until the year 2034?"

Details on the proposed use of revenues collected by the new tax can be found in the bill (HF2285) but the basic breakdown is (at minimums) 25% of the new revenue is dedicated to a natural heritage fund, 25% to a clean water fund, 15% to a parks and trails fund, 15% to a "sustainable drinking water" fund and 10% would go to an arts and cultural heritage fund. The remaining pot would get divvied up by the whims of the legislature.

The 200 organizations pushing for the amendment’s passage this fall are a laundry list of arts and environmental groups with their hands out. They are seeking constitutionally dedicated funding streams on the backs of already overburdened Minnesota taxpayers. 72% reject the notion, saying these organizations and services should be paid from existing revenues and individuals.

Former senator Rod Grams summarized the Vote Yes coalition, saying, "They want to tack on a new tax, by a group of special interests that want to pick the pockets of Minnesota taxpayers, to create a slush fund to enable them to spend monies on their pet projects,"

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