Policy Initiatives

Download our 2012 Bonding Priorities list (pdf)

Minnesota Environmental Partnership has adopted the following three principles to help guide funding decisions so that the intent of the Minnesota Constitution is upheld:

  • Minnesota’s Great Outdoors must maintain its traditional share of the total state general fund budget and not dip below its already small one percent proportion — a 30-year low. Any general fund cuts proposed for environmental and conservation programs must not result in a percentage reduction in these programs that is greater than any percentage reduction in total general fund spending;
  • Statutorily dedicated funds already in existence for Minnesota’s Great Outdoors cannot be raided to pay for other budget items; and
  • Any capital investments for Minnesota’s Great Outdoors must be maintained at a level at least equal to the 10-year average of 22 percent of the total general obligation bonding proposed or authorized.

As elected officials continue to grapple with the worst budget crisis in the state’s history, the Minnesota Environmental Partnership is committed to upholding the voters’ overwhelming mandate to pass on a Great Outdoors legacy to our children and grandchildren.

Transit Investments That Keep Minnesota Moving

Our communities depend on a strong public transportation system to reduce harmful emissions in our air and toxins in our water, and to encourage thoughtful development patterns. Transportation Choices 2020, first introduced in 2004, provided Minnesota with a transit vision that included new transitways; doubling public transit ridership by 2020; improved bus and park-n-ride facilities; revenue for local governments for bike and pedestrian facilities; and expanded transit options in Greater Minnesota.

In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature took a major step towards achieving that vision when it approved the largest investment in our transit infrastructure in history. Despite facing a budget deficit in 2009, state lawmakers protected that investment, allowing the state to move forward on several critical transitway projects while maintaining bus service. But without additional funding, including restoring 2010 bonding vetoes, Minnesota’s vision for a 21st century transportation system cannot be attained.

Public transit makes our region more vibrant and successful, connecting our region and shaping communities that we are proud to call home. With more than one million additional new residents living in Minnesota over the next 20 years, we must invest in a public transportation system that provides new jobs, grows our economy, expands transportation choices and protects our Great Outdoors.

For more information about this issue, contact:

Patience Caso
Minnesota Environmental Partnership
651-290-0154
patiencecaso@MEPartnership.org