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Monday, November 4, 2024

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Trump offers darkness, Harris offers optimism on election eve in America; Despite the hype, noncitizens aren't voting in Wisconsin; KY labor unions want the next administration to support the PRO Act; the future of public education is on the line in NH governor's race.

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Trump escalates violent rhetoric against the press, Harris aims to reassure Michigan's Arab Americans angered by the war in Gaza, and a respected poll shows an unexpected lead for Harris in solidly red Iowa.

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A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

MN voters asked to reauthorize key environmental funding

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Monday, November 4, 2024   

Election Day in Minnesota will bring environmental funding into focus in the form of a ballot question. At stake is lottery revenue that over the years has funded efforts to protect natural resources.

Minnesota voters are being asked to say yes to a 25-year extension of a constitutional amendment that dedicates 40% of lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural Resources Fund.

Marcus Starr - campaigns director with the group Conservation Minnesota - said since 1988, the initiative has contributed to investments in parks, trails, and habitat restoration, among other things.

But he said continued funding could do more to confront harmful emissions.

"It would fund a lot of projects - like planting trees - that could help reduce emissions that way, or capture carbon," said Starr. "I think that's the biggest factor that we would see with this funding."

Other advocates say it would build on the work being done to protect Minnesota's lakes from invasive species.

Past votes on this issue have received strong support from voters, but the coalition backing the question warns that leaving it blank amounts to a no vote.

There's no coordinated opposition to the amendment, but some GOP legislators say the current effort doesn't align with the original mission.

The new language calls for additional spending from the fund each year to create a specialized grant program.

It would help more underserved areas, including rural pockets, pursue projects to clean up the air and water in their communities.

Steve Morse, executive director of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, said that's another way to minimize the effects of industrial activity and reduce carbon footprints.

"Organizations that are doing work at the local level," said Morse, "protecting air quality, reducing emissions - whether it be through transportation, or perhaps working on weatherization for low-income housing - those are things that will be able to apply for funding."

He said these grants would create more equitable access to the statewide fund, rather than mostly serving large research institutions and government agencies.

An advisory council would oversee the awarding of grants, but skeptics content there's no legislative oversight for that aspect of the fund.




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