On Monday, Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) released the following statement after the Legacy Conference Committee Report was adopted on the Senate Floor:

 

“Millions of tax dollars are being funneled to unaccountable arts programs through this bill,” Sen. Eichorn said. “What’s even more disappointing is the failure to block tax dollars from promoting hyper-partisan, sometimes violent, ideals. Minnesotans expect Legacy Amendment funds to be focused on improving natural resources throughout the state rather than going toward questionable arts projects with little to no oversight on the projects being funded.” 

 

Multiple Republican amendments previously passed off the Senate Floor were stripped out in conference committee: 

• Prohibiting Legacy funding for projects or groups that promote:
• violence against police, firefighters, and EMTs
• Hamas or other terrorist organizations
• Granting Legacy funds to anyone convicted of felony burglary

 

The committee report was adopted on a vote of 43-24.