SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 2563, the 2025 Legacy Budget Bill, on a bipartisan vote of 115-19. The bill, co-authored by Representative Samantha Vang (DFL – Brooklyn Park), invests nearly $777 million in Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture.
“Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment provides funding for so many amazing projects throughout our state,” said Rep. Vang, co-chair of the Legacy Finance Committee. “From addressing nitrate pollution, protecting forests, to celebrating different cultures and history, this bill reinforces Minnesota’s strong environmental and cultural legacy.”
The 2025 Legacy Budget Bill makes investments in Minnesota’s natural legacy, directing nearly $162 million to the Outdoor Heritage Fund. This funding will help prevent the further loss of critical wetland and grassland habitats, protect 2,720 acres of public forest in Itasca County, 23,000 acres of forests across the state in general, and support the restoration and conservation of vital ecosystems across the state. In addition, the bill allocates over $303 million to the Clean Water Fund, with a strong focus on addressing nitrate pollution in Southern Minnesota. These investments will expand nitrate monitoring, increase well testing, and support long-term strategies to protect the health of our water and communities. This bill also dedicates $130 million to enhance Minnesota’s parks and trails.
The legislation invests almost $180 million in arts, arts education, and arts access to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage, including the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Minnesota Historical Society. The bill funds multiple projects and programs, such as the Youth Poet Laureate grants, the Lundstrum Center for Performing Arts, and more.
In 2008, Minnesotans voted to pass the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution. The amendment increased the sales tax by three-eighths of one percent and dedicated those funds to protecting and enhancing our state’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, arts, and cultural heritage. Since 2009, the Legacy Amendment has generated nearly $5.7 billion in funding for projects.
A recording of the floor debate and final vote will be posted here.
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