Farm Bureau opposes constitutional amendment

Farm Bureau president
Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, says his organization is opposing the constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot.
MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire

Minnesota voters will decide Nov. 4 whether to raise the state sales tax by 3/8 of 1 percent for 25 years. The new revenue would upgrade water quality, hunting and fishing habitats, parks and trails and the arts.

Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, says his organization opposes the tax increase and will urge members to vote no. Paap says the proposed projects might be worthwhile, but they don't belong in the state Constitution.

"That's why we elect our legislators, is to make those decisions on raising taxes, funding programs and projects," said Paap. "We shouldn't tie their hands and not let them do that."

The Taxpayers League of Minnesota is coordinating the "vote no" campaign.

Supporters of the ballot question say dedicated funding is needed to make up for years of budget neglect. The Vote Yes Minnesota campaign boasts a coalition of more than 300 organizations.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.