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 Proposal 2 - Important To Michigan Tourism
By Michael J. Maisner, Executive Director
Michigan Recreation and Park Association
On August 6, Michigan voters will have an opportunity to enhance the quality of life and improve the landscape across Michigan for both present and future generations. Proposal 2 will appear on the statewide primary ballot and will have a huge impact on the sustainability of funding opportunities through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, State Parks Endowment Fund and several other state trust funds and endowment funds.
Proposal 2 would enhance funding for state parks, local parks and outdoor recreation without raising taxes. Because these trust funds and endowment funds use dedicated revenue only, personal and business taxes would not be affected, and no other state programs would be affected financially.
The fund that would have the greatest impact on Michigan’s tourism industry is the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Since 1976, this fund has been providing grants to increase and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for Michigan citizens and visitors. Using revenue collected through royalties form the drilling or mining of mineral resources on state-owned land, it has provided funding for the acquisition of land and the development of public recreation facilities in every county in Michigan.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents have enjoyed the benefits associated with protecting and enhancing our natural resources in Michigan. Whether it is preserving 6,000 acres of pristine land at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula or developing a river trail, this fund has had a significant impact on tourism. Our wonderful natural resources make Michigan a great place to live and visit. However, without the passage of Proposal 2, these important funding sources will be drastically reduced.
Specifically, Proposal 2 would:
1) Allow state trust funds and endowment funds, like the Natural Resources Trust Fund, State Parks Endowment Fund and Veterans Trust Fund to be prudently invested as provided by law;
2) Increase the Natural Resources Trust Fund cap from $400 million to $500 million, allowing the Trust Fund to grow to meet increasing demand for grants;
3) Allow the Natural Resources Trust Fund to continue expending up to one-third of the annual mineral revenues for grants; and
4) Increase allowed State Parks Endowment Fund spending to include interest and earnings and up to 50% of funds received from the Natural Resources Trust Fund.
While there is no organized opposition to Proposal 2, increasing voter awareness about the significance of this ballot initiative is paramount. Proposal 2 provides an opportunity to enhance tourism by assisting efforts to save important spaces and places for public use and enjoyment.
Proposal 2 makes sense and is good for Michigan. That is why it received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Michigan Legislature, is being driven by a diverse coalition of business and environmental leaders, has the support of all five of Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates, and has already received endorsements from the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, and the Macomb Daily just to name a few.
Michigan voters will have a unique opportunity to strengthen and sustain funding opportunities to help save some of the last great places in Michigan. The passage of failure of Proposal 2 on August 6 is going to change the landscape across Michigan forever. Let’s leave a legacy for our children, grandchildren and all future generations. Vote YES on Proposal 2!
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