It’s a tired tale: Iowa still puts less than two percent of state tax revenues into conservation funding. Our state legislature finally took note and created the Interim Study Committee on Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources and an Advisory Council to assist the legislators. These hard-working committees met numerous times, examining more than 40 funding options. INHF provided significant leadership with Mark Ackelson serving on the committee and Duane Sand taking the lead on public policy research. Though some of the committee’s favorite ideas did not earn bipartisan legislative support, two initiatives were still in play at press-time. We’re awaiting Governor Culver’s signature on a bill that would provide state income tax credits to Iowans who donate land (full donation, bargain sale or conservation easement) to a qualified public or private conservation group. This legislation had unanimous bipartisan support at each step of the legislative process. The House and Senate have overwhelmingly passed a resolution to amend Iowa’s Constitution, designating 3/8 of a cent of the next sales tax increase (if/when that should occur) for protecting and enhancing water quality, soil and water conservation, parks, trails, wildlife and natural areas. This is only the first step of a complicated, multi-year process of amending our state constitution to establish a dedicated trust fund that would triple natural resources funding. Stay tuned for updates and tips on how you can help. For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846. © Copyright
2009
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation |
