SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tonight, the Minnesota House of Representatives re-passed HF 4124 the 2024 Legacy Budget Bill, as amended by the conference committee report, on a bipartisan vote of 115-13. The bill, authored by Representative Leon Lillie (DFL – North St. Paul) invests nearly $240 million in Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture.
The 2024 Legacy Budget Bill invests almost $193 million in the Outdoor Heritage Fund, including purchasing 72,000 acres of land to create the Minnesota Heritage Forest and funding to prevent the spread of invasive wild carp. The bill invests over $25 million in the Clean Water Fund focused on addressing nitrate pollution in Southern Minnesota including nitrate monitoring, well testing, and riparian floodplain protection and restoration. The bill also includes $9 million to improve parks and trails.
“Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment provides funding for so many amazing projects throughout our state,” said Rep. Lillie, chair of the Legacy Finance Committee. “From addressing nitrate pollution, establishing a new forest, to celebrating different cultures and history, this report reinforces Minnesota’s strong environmental and cultural legacy.”
The 2024 Legacy Budget bill invests over $12 million in arts, arts education, and arts access to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage, including a grant program to celebrate the cultural heritage of Minnesotans. The bill funds multiple projects and programs serving BIPOC communities, as well as funding historical preservation efforts like the Justus Ramsey House and several Veterans memorials and commemorations.
"The passage of this legacy bill is a testament to Minnesota's enduring commitment to preserving our natural treasures, fostering vibrant communities, and celebrating our rich cultural heritage," said Rep. Samakab Hussein, Vice Chair of the committee. "This collaborative effort reflects a shared vision for a Minnesota where clean water sustains us, parks and trails connect us, and the arts and culture continue to inspire us."
In 2008, Minnesotans voted 56% to 44% 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 $4 billion in funding for projects.
The bill passed the House on April 30 on a 118-13 vote and the Senate on May 3 on a vote of 39-24. The bill now awaits re-passage in the Senate and will then be sent to the Governor to be signed into law. Materials from the conference committee can be found here. A recording of the floor debate and final vote can be found here.
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