The Legislature needs to wrap up business for the legislative session by 11:59pm Sunday, May 22, 2022—it will be a working weekend at the Capitol. The remaining decisions pertain to how the state should appropriate the state’s massive surplus. I continue to advocate for permanent, meaningful tax relief. House and Senate majority leaders and the governor earlier this week reached a framework of an agreement and conference committees have been working since then to hammer out the details.
Ruud’s Legacy Bill Funds Lessard-Sams Conservation Projects
This week with broad bipartisan support, the Minnesota Senate passed the annual Legacy bill I authored that funds Lessard-Sams project recommendations. This bill appropriates $159 million to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) to fund 42 high-priority conservation projects across the state.
An amendment was added onto the bill on the Senate Floor, which creates an extension for projects that were delayed during Covid. As amended, this legislation will provide funded projects with an extended timeframe during which they can use the money previously allotted to them.
“The Legislature has faithfully adhered to the recommendations from Outdoor Heritage Fund, and this bill continues that time honored tradition by focusing resources on preserving 80,000 acres of land and 129 miles of shoreline across our state. I am proud of our commitment to preserving our state’s incredible beauty, culture, and resources for generations to come.”
In 2008, Minnesotans voted to amend the State Constitution to include the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (referred to informally as the Legacy Amendment). This amendment allocated three-eighths of one percent of the sales tax to contribute to four funds that aim to protect drinking water sources, restore and enhance habitats across the state, preserve arts and cultural heritage, support parks and trails, and protect and enhance lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Have a great start to your weekend!
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As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud