Meeting Public Comments

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SJR 6

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa by repealing the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, and dedicating a portion of state revenue from sales and use taxes imposed for the benefit of property tax relief.

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Bousselot-CH, Green, Staed

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: Room G15

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-18-2025

Jessica Chrystal

I'm writing in strong opposition of this bill.Iam the great granddaughter of State Senator I.G. Chrystal,who served in 45th through the 47th General Assembly.His legacy endures for one simple reason. He gave the people of Iowa hope again during the Great Depression.He was hand picked & appointed by Govenor Kraschel to oversee the construction of our state park system as head of the C.C.C.At one point he traveled to D.C. in the middle of a harsh winter to save Iowans jobs.I always teach my special edcuation students in class during our history/government period that leaders exist to create laws that keep people safe and help them.Who does this bill help exactly? No one that I can think of.State Parks are our great equalizer that anyone can access for use,regardless of education & class,unlike private school Vouchers.If we govern from our values whats really more important? Public tax payers funding a BILLON dollar tab for rich families to send their kids through the same extreme religious pipelines of bigtory, hate and ignorance that are diving ALL the bills we've seen from Republicans since session began that are unconstitutional at best and have nothing to do with the cost of living?Or fully funding our state parks that are accessible to everyone for FREE,including public schools for educational purposes? State parks also bring in much needed tourism and money to main streets & the small business that line them in near by rural towns that have been long forgotten since the farm crisis and taken advantage of by the Republicans that represent them in this legislature over mutiple sessions.They also create seasonal employment for students, internships for college students and generate grants for research projects to protect our air,water and soil. Which to me,seems essential and critical since they're resources we ALL use & share and are responsible for our very existence, unlike private school vouchers.Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. I see,almost 90 years later Republicans haven't. They thought these parks and the man who was responsible for over seeing their creation was a waste too for his $500 salary he received for travel & lodging reimbursement & went on a witch hunt against my Great Grandfather and 2 of his co administrators.Sounds familiar? It should. Our Senate and Republicans shouldn't be obedient bootlickers & puppets to the destructive administration & unelected billionaire in the Oval Office and his gang of kiddie nerds by following their leads,who've cost farmers in this state MILLIONS in lost markets & frozen payments, 73 NRCS employees,24 USDA County employees and many in the small business administration who partner with Chambers of Commerce & mutiple small communities in this state their jobs to cut "waste".State Parks aren't a waste. Vouchers most definitely are.

02-18-2025

Laura Teske

Iowa is a beautiful state with wonderful parks, recreational areas and green spaces. It is an aspect of our state that we can be especially proud of. Dissolving this trust fund is in direct opposition to the will of the people of Iowa. We are proud of our natural spaces and do not want to see their existence threatened. What is additionally concerning is that you intend to raid this fund to pay for property tax reductions and to help fund what you have failed to provide our K12 schools. Please reject this bill and maintain the commitment to Iowa's natural resources and spaces that has been the hallmark of our state for many years.

02-18-2025

Jessica Block

I urge our Senators to OPPOSE SJR6. There is great value in protecting natural resources and outdoor recreation in Iowa. Preserving natural places and wildlife for future generations to enjoy is something we must take seriously. Many of our natural resources are already at risk because of commodity crop land expansion, industrial solar and wind turbine development, and data center development. Please keep the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund intact.

02-18-2025

Angela B

Our parks will die if we cut even more of their funding. As a person who grew up in a town next to a state park, I can attest to the negative impact on the community caused by the defunding of the parks. My hometown was once a thriving destination for outdoor recreation. As the funds were repeatedly slashed through my childhood, I watched as the park slowly became more and more defunct and the tourists dwindled. My cherished state park slowly became more polluted and poorly kept. The bait and tackle shop closed. The watercraft rental closed. The beach became unsafe for swimming. The Native burial grounds are barely looked after. The park facilities slowly rotting away. As a result, the town has lost its healthy summer tourism. If funding is cut any more, parks will close. Our state will no longer have protected public land and what will we have to be proud of?

02-18-2025

Kay Runyon

First, that resolution is incredibly difficult to read and is probably meant to confuse. The best I understand is that you are removing money from a fund for DNR and giving that money to schools so people don't have to pay as much property tax. If that is not thr intention, please clarify your bill.so it makes sense.

02-18-2025

Sherie Rehberg

I strongly oppose this motion. Our outdoor wild places are a treasure for all Iowans to enjoy. I cannot understand why you don't seem to care about what the people want. No amount of money saved is worth the loss of our natural world. You've already withheld funding. Please end this nonsense and support the need of the people to have places to enjoy the outdoors.

02-18-2025

Amy Brown

Hello. Please vote NO on SJR 6. It is imperative that we invest in our natural resources. I support cleaner water, healthier soil, more wildlife habitat and more opportunities to get outdoors. Smart conservation in Iowa needs to be protected. Thank you for voting NO on SJR 6.

02-18-2025

Nancy Chaffee

Repealing the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund is an incredibly shortsighted move. Funding the maintenance of water quality and our natural resources is incredibly important for tourism and safety of the residents of Iowa. Especially now that our national government is cutting funding for national parks it will fall on states to preserve these natural resources. Please do not approve this amendment.

02-18-2025

Christopher H

I am strongly against this bill. Our natural resources should be preserved. Some of my favorite parts of Iowa are natural and outdoor locations. Not only should the natural land be preserved for environmental reasons not also for tourism reasons, health reasons, recreational reasons amongst others.

02-18-2025

Danielle Danielle

I am commenting in opposition.Please vote NO to repealing the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund!The trust fund was was created to positively impact the quality of life for you and your fellow Iowans by improving our State Parks and Wildlife areas. Repealing it would negatively affect me and my family, as well as the beautiful waters and land in this state I love dearly. Please consider the generations of future Iowans who can continue to benefit from IWILL, if you continue to protect it.Our state parks and natural areas are one of the things that make living in Iowa so great. They are a place for families to enjoy the great outdoors, for kids to be kids, for people to exercise and spend quality time with those they love.I implore you, to think back upon your childhood what memories you may have camping, fishing, or exploring the woods and please choose to preserve the places that made those memories possible for another generation of Iowans. Vote NO on SJR6!Sincerely,Danielle Fisher

02-18-2025

Sarah Brandt

I am voicing my hearty opposition to the amendment proposal that would repeal the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund.Repealing this trust fund would have severe longterm consequences for the environment, hindering efforts to address critical issues like water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat loss, in addition to outdoor rec programs that contribute to Iowans' wellbeing, health, and quality of life. This would create a significant funding gap for conservation programs in Iowa, which already faces challenges for adequate funding for environmental protections. Repealing the trust fund would also hinder environmental tourism, leading to lost revenue and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities dependent on this, like Decorah. Please vote no on this ammendment.

02-19-2025

Kelly Dawson

As a Conservative, I understand that desire to save money. However, our state already lacks public areas compared to other states and we need make sure future generations have the opportunities to enjoy our natural resources. Please vote, No.

02-19-2025

Ryan Koch

Please oppose SJR 6. Protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in this state including parks, trails, and fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving agricultural soils in this state is something that is important to Iowans. Please hear the people that you represent and oppose SJR 6. Thank you.

02-19-2025

Jonathon Struve

People care about our natural resources and voted for the creation of this fund to help protect our natural areas, and yet despite this, the legislature has CONSTANTLY avoided funding what was a mandate from the people. Now you want to amend the constitution to repeal it? We need quality of life in this state, and that includes preservation and care for our creation. We are to be good stewards of the world. This fund would help do that in Iowa. It is what the fund is for. I suggest you do what was asked of you and fund it, especially as we gut our National Parks and services. We can show that we have places here to enjoy and that we care for the world in which we live and the creatures we share it with.

02-19-2025

Vicki Price

We need state support for our parks. They provide a good environment for the community, a place to enjoy nature that doesnt cost an arm and a leg. They bring in tourism. Iowa is already suffering a bad reputation. Our children are leaving. We dont need less places for community recreation and gathering. We need more.

02-19-2025

Deb Lavalle

Please vote no and stop bill SJR6 from advancing. Funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund supports quality of life, preserving the few areas in Iowa that remain where the public can enjoy wildlife and outdoor recreation areas. Protecting natural resources supports tourism, and encourages people to move to and live in Iowa.

02-19-2025

Michele Johnson

Against The State of Iowa has been one of the worst stewards of the land that has been loaned to us. The government is proving to be one of the worst stewards of our money. Do whats right and good for everyone, not just a select few, and fund our natural resources.

02-19-2025

Ryan Hupfeld

Hello,As an outdoorsman, conservationist, and growing up on a family farm I understand the importance of water quality and natural resources to farmers and conservationists. Conservation is the proper management of our natural resources, and there are few investments more critical to the quality of life in Iowa. The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund is an important mechanism meant to provide permanent and reliable funding to improve water quality, protect our soil, enhance wildlife habitat, and increase outdoor recreation across the state. In 2010, over 63% of Iowans voted for the creation of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund!!!!!! If you move this bill forward you are going directly against this vote!!!! The Trust Fund was created to help provide quality of life components for outdoor recreation, public land access, along with various water and land legacy projects to positively impact Iowans for generations.This resolution would eliminate the Trust Fund with no alternative means to fund or support Iowas natural resources, water quality, economic health, and the overall quality of life for all Iowans. THIS BILL NEEDS TO DIE!!! It is not good for Iowans, farmers, or conservationists! This bill is UNACCEPTABLE, especially given the ranking of #2 in the country for cancer rates!!!!!! There is clear evidence between water quality and cancer rates in Iowa and this is one step to start reducing that rate. I don't even want to drink the water in Iowa anymore given the nitrate levels in our water. Please take this seriously so I can continue to enjoy quality time in nature, hunting and fishing, and not having family members die from cancer....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT MOVE THIS BILL FORWARD!!!! AND FUND THE TRUST FUND ALREADY!!! WE'VE WAITED LONG ENOUGH!!!!

02-19-2025

Glen Houts

I understand that a subcommittee of the Senate is holding a hearing today on a bill to repeal the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund passed by popular vote in 2010 (62.8% support). As you likely know, the Trust Fund has never received the financial support advocated by the public, although it only required a 3/8 of one percent increase in sales tax. SJR6 reads, "Bill Title: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa by repealing the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund, and dedicating a portion of state revenue from sales and use taxes imposed for the benefit of property tax relief. I ask that you oppose SJR6. It is a clear attempt to not only subjugate the will of the people in 2010 (which has already been done by lack of funding), as well as control the future of the Iowa Legislature. How? By assuring a future assembly controlled by an alternate coalition does not have a Trust to fund. Why is this important? As you may or may not know, Iowa is considered to have the mostaltered landscape of any state. Additionally, Iowa is considered to be 4th in the amount of agricultural runoff annually. And, Iowa loses on average 5.5 tons topsoil per acre annually (that same top soil could be argued is our most important natural resource in addition to water). The Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund provides the opportunity to become a protective factor for our soils and waters, assure our economic success (individuals/businesses strongly consider recreational opportunities when relocating), and benefit ALL Iowans! Again, please oppose this action both by speaking the the subcommittee members and voting against SJR6 should it come to the floor!

02-19-2025

Sandra McJimsey

Please vote no on this. This proposal is a betrayal to all Iowans who voted to establish the trust fund. Repealing the trust fund is shortsighted and would deal a blow to one of Iowa's most prized assetsits natural and outdoor spaces.

02-19-2025

Jean Sterner

Please vote "no" regarding SJR6.The people of Iowa approved this trust fund and it's use by 63%. It is your job to make sure the actual work of this funding gets done. We voted on this legislation that benefits all 99 counties.Iowa voters deserve the benefits of funding this trust: improving soil and water quality, enhancing outdoor recreation and economic development.This is a public health and economic issue.We voted for this and legislators failed to fund it.

02-19-2025

Monica Bailey

AGAINST/OPPOSE The Trust Fund was created to provide support for Iowan's quality of life through outdoor recreation, public land access, various water and land legacy projects, etc. The Trust Fund is meant to provide more permanent and reliable funding to improve our water, air, and soil quality, as well as wildlife habitat. This bill eliminates the fund with NO alternative means to fund or support our natural resources, and will result in a lower quality of life for ALL Iowans. DO NOT LET THIS BILL MOVE FORWARD AND FUND THE TRUST FUND ALREADY IOWAN LIVES DEPEND ON THIS.

02-19-2025

Marilyn Norman [N/S]

This email voices my opposition to Senate Joint Resolution 6 that would repeal the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund. This was created by VOTERS in 2010 to support environmental and recreational initiatives in the state. It remains unfunded while the need to protect water quality, soil quality, outdoor recreation, and economic development, continues to grow. As the proposal is stated, it is just another way to conduct a shell game with taxes. Please vote against this resolution.

02-19-2025

Amy D'Amico

Please vote NO on SJR 6. It is imperative that we invest in our natural resources. I support cleaner water, healthier soil, more wildlife habitat and more opportunities to get outdoors. Smart conservation in Iowa needs to be protected. Thank you for voting NO on SJR 6!

02-19-2025

Sarah Cady

I am against this repeal. This fund was created in 2010 by popular vote, with 63% of the voters agreeing to create it. Despite its creation, Republicans have largely controlled the state legislature since that time and have opted not to fund it. Republicans budgets have also rolled back property and income taxes, further strangling the budgets for state and county parks, land conservation, water quality and more. Iowa has one of the lowest areas of publicly accessible lands in the US. During COVID, it was obvious that people in this state were yearning for outdoor activities. In order to serve the increasing number of individuals accessing our few public lands, it is imperative that we adequately fund the maintenance of these lands, expand them when able, and ensure the streams and waterways contained within the public lands are safe for recreational boating, swimming, fishing, and enjoyment.

02-19-2025

Alicia Mullarkey

I am writing to ask you to oppose SJR 6 in your subcommittee meeting today. This fund was established by Iowans because we want clean water, healthy soil, more wildlife habitat and more outdoor recreation opportunities. I live in Northeast Iowa and am from south central Iowa & know the importance of caring for the land and water. I see first hand the importance of outdoor recreation for our state.I have been at the at the capitol several times advocating for the state to fund this trust. Dont let Iowans down today but taking away something that a majority of Iowans want and have been working so hard to establish for many, many years. Conservation of our land, water & wildlife benefits ALL Iowans. I live in northeast Iowa where our local business communities depend on people coming here for recreation to enjoy all of the wonderful natural resources our area has to offer. Thank you for your time.

02-19-2025

Laurie Hoifeldt

I strongly oppose this bill. Please do not use these funds to replace whats been taken from our schools or somewhere else. I am not sure how legislators expect to be voted in again with actions like these that so negatively affect your constituents.

02-19-2025

Janet Dixon

Please oppose SJR 6.First the people of Iowa have shown repeatedly that natural resources and outdoor recreation are important to them. The constitutional amendment to establish this trust fund was supported by over 63% of the voters when it was established in 2010. In the most recent election more than 77% of Story County voters voted for the Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond. Iowa's natural heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities are among its greatest assets, and they are valued by the public. Second, replacing property tax revenue with sales tax revenue is hardest on those Iowans who can least afford it. Sales tax is one of the most regressive taxes possible. Each family needs to buy clothing, medicine, gas, and other household needs, regardless of financial resources and income.

02-19-2025

Mary Fasse-Shaw

Our natural resources are a pre upset of our state. The DNR has been under funded for years. Parks, lakes, and rivers, etc, are precious and give Iowans joy. If this bill is referring as well to the bill that 60% of Iowans wanted to be funded to support the DNR and other recreational aspects, then it needs to be finally funded. Do not vote for this bill!

02-19-2025

James Leach

I am fervently in opposition to this bill. The Fund was authorized by the People of Iowa as a Constitutional Amendment, signifying the concern and advocacy of the People for conservation and preservation of scenic, natural and Public open space. Passage of this bill invalidates the will of the People and further denies the funding of the Amendment as originally intended. Strongly oppose.

02-19-2025

Christine Evenson

The beauty of IA is held in it's richness of parks and natural habitat areas. Don't throw out our long held values of developing, preserving and protecting Iowa's beauty. Besides, it attracts tourists and money to our state. Enough with damaging IA!!

02-19-2025

Max Friton

I oppose the resolution to repeal the natural resource and outdoor recreation trust fund. This is an absolute waste of the state legislatures time. The state should be focused on preserving Iowas land and making sure our waterways are clean. The state should focus on why our states population has an increased risk of cancer.

02-19-2025

Kristen Greteman

I oppose Senate Joint Resolution 6. Due to the central focus of my historical research, I know much about natural resources, land use, and water quality in rural Iowa. What happened in history affects the future. That said, I demand that you oppose the dismantling of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. You live in Iowa and should care as much as I do about the way you can use and access land in our state. You should care that our state has one of the fastest rising cancer rates in the nation, which often targets young people. You should care that Iowa ranks 49th in the nation, tied with Connecticut, for the least amount of public land in the nation.

02-19-2025

Theresa Munkvold

Oppose the repealing of the trust to fund Iowas outdoor natural/recreation areas. People are leaving this state in droves. You destroy Iowas natural resources, no one will ever move here and more people will leave the state. Dont be a fool and destroy our natural resources. RATAIN THIS TRUST and funding.

02-19-2025

Ashley Merkley

I am strongly opposed to this bill and urge you to please vote no. The public voted largely in favor of this constitutional amendment to create this fund, so voting to repeal this amendment goes against the citizens wishes. Additionally, our parks are an incredibly valuable and important part of our state and its crucial that we support them through this fund, and that we support clean water and soil health. Please vote no to actually represent the public will and to protect our beautiful natural resources; thank you.

02-19-2025

Taylor Hanson

I oppose SJR 6. Our State Parks and Iowas natural resources are important to the communities and health of our state. These resources need protection and need to continue to be supported by our government. Please oppose this amendment.

02-19-2025

kathy Bernreuter

No to defunding our state parks and natural areas. Iowa is the 2nd least natural state in the union and has less than 1% of our original landscape in tact. It's bad for soil health not to have natural buffers and protected areas for nature to do its thing. It's also bad for tourism. Do you know how hard it is to find beautiful natural places to take people in this state already? This is a bad idea and for what? Tax cuts and sending money to rich people to defray their private school bills? These funds benefit all of us and what's left of our natural areas.

02-19-2025

Ann Pierce

Please listen to your constituents. We, the people of Iowa whom you serve, voted for this and it has never been fully funded. Instead of passing this bill, consider FINALLY funding it fully. Iowa is slipping when it comes to tourism. Look at the states surrounding us and you will see that their State Parks are attractions, well kept, and improvements are obvious. Because those states fully funded this bill. It is time to think about listening to your constituents and its hard to imagine Iowans wanting less support for natural resources, parks, and bike trails. Please vote NO. Do the right thing.

02-19-2025

Lisbeth Peirce

Please do not repeal this! Iowa has so few wild lands that are used for recreation anymore! Lets protect what we have to bring more tourism dollars to our state! Iowans worked so hard on both sides of the aisle to make this happen! Thank you,Sincerely,Lisbeth Peirce

02-19-2025

Sandra Johnson [private citizen, former USDA employee]

2010 amendment with 63% approval. Why would you usurp the will of the people now? We need to protect our resources from private development. These parks and recreation make Iowa more inviting, and now more than ever we need a reason for young families to stay in Iowa, too much outmigration and brain drain, public $ transferred to from public schools where 70% of families already paid their own way. And now reduced revenue via flat tax and waive tax on much retirement income. Women do not have bodily autonomy, maternal mortality up, worst in nation for OBGYN due to heartbeat bill.

02-20-2025

Vern R Hoppes

If your proposing constitutional amendments, the parks change is a horrible choice. I would prefer you allow Iowans ability to petition to place concerns and issues for what you are doing in Des Moines up for state wide votes as we are given that right by the First amendment of the Constitution.

02-24-2025

Hans P Jorgensen

Please do not do this. Recreation and outdoor activities are an important contributor to the economy of Winneshiek County and the state. Not to mention the benefit to the environment. This is a poorly thought through law.

02-24-2025

Karen Pratte [Allamakee County Democrats]

I oppose repealing the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund. Voters voted for this overwhelmingly. What should happen is funding of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.