FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2024
Contact: Liz Deering, 612.767.1564
Minnesotans must vote “YES” to keep the lottery working for our great outdoors
Minneapolis, MN—Minnesotans For Our Great Outdoors kicked off its campaign to educate voters about the upcoming constitutional amendment to renew state lottery funds for the Great Outdoors. Supporters gathered today at an event at Thompson County Park in West Saint Paul to celebrate the past success of lottery funding and hear from members of the diverse coalition of support.
Over 30 years ago, Minnesotans first voted to dedicate a portion of state lottery proceeds to conservation. Since then, it’s provided over $1 billion for our Great Outdoors. In November, a question to renew this funding will be on the front of every Minnesotan’s ballot. To ensure this critical funding source remains dedicated to the Great Outdoors, over 50% of voters must vote “YES.” Leaving the question blank counts as a “No” vote. If it doesn’t pass, the constitutional protection for this important conservation funding will expire.
During today’s event, representatives from businesses, governments, and nonprofits shared the importance of lottery funding for conservation projects and the urgency for voters to renew this funding before it expires.
“Since voters first dedicated a portion of state lottery proceeds to conservation, the fund has provided over $1 billion for our Great Outdoors,” said Ann Mulholland, Chapter Director of the Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. “Whether you have hiked on the Superior Hiking Trail, swam in one of our lakes, or protected pollinators in your garden, Minnesotans from every corner of the state have benefited from this funding.”
“Parks like Thompson County Park enhance the quality of life in our communities and help make Minnesota the best place to live and raise a family,” said Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins. “Without funding from lottery proceeds, it would be up to local governments and their taxpayers to pay for these pristine resources. That’s why you see Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties all supporting this amendment.”
“Minnesota is the state of water! Water connects all of us. Unfortunately, almost half of the lakes and rivers in Minnesota fail to meet one or more water quality standards for drinking, swimming, or fishing,” said Michelle Stockness, Executive Director of Freshwater. “This amendment is critical to our work and will help prevent pollution in our rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as protect the quality of our drinking water supplies.”
“Hospitality Minnesota supports the Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors campaign. These investments foster a strong tourism economy in our state by protecting the beauty and accessibility of the natural resources the hospitality and tourism industry relies on. From lakes and forests to trails and campgrounds, our outdoor offerings drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors,” said Angie Whitcomb, President & CEO of Hospitality Minnesota. “We encourage continuation of this investment to protect and preserve these invaluable assets for generations to come."
“Investing in our Great Outdoors is good business for Minnesota,” said Bo Bigelow, Executive Director of the MN Ski Areas Association. “Our tourism industry draws people from all over the country to swim and fish in our lakes, hike our trails, and camp in our wilderness.”
“Time and connection to nature is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people. That’s why REI has been committed to ensuring everyone has access to outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Mikaela Swanlund, REI Co-op Community Advocacy and Impact Specialist. “Groups like the Friends of the Boundary Waters, Wilderness Inquiry, and YMCA of the Twin Cities have used lottery funding to connect students from diverse and underserved communities with the outdoors. Access to the Great Outdoors shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford it.”
“It’s not very often you see those from the environment, business, and government all advocating on the same team, but when it comes to protecting our Great Outdoors, Minnesotans are in this together,” said Marcus Starr, Campaigns Director at Conservation Minnesota. “Renewing lottery funding is not controversial nor a tax increase. In fact, every time this has been on the ballot, over 70% of voters have voted Yes. This November, we’re asking you to do it again by voting Yes on the only constitutional amendment on the ballot.”
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Minnesotans For Our Great Outdoors is a ballot campaign working to educate Minnesotans about the constitutional amendment to renew lottery funding for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). The campaign comprises a diverse set of over 125 organizations, businesses, associations, and government entities. More information about the campaign, what’s on the ballot, and the complete list of supporters is available at mngreatoutdoors.org.