2015 Goal: Filling the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund

Trust Fund History

Bipartisan Support for the Trust Fund• In 2006, a bipartisan group of stakeholders

and legislators came together to find solutions for protecting Iowa’s natural resources.

• The group recommended a constitutionally protected trust fund not subject to the whims of the state budget.

• The group’s recommended funding source was 3/8 of one cent from the next sales tax increase.

Trust Fund History

Bipartisan Support for the Trust Fund• More than 90% of legislators voted

to put the trust fund on the ballot

Trust Fund History

Overwhelming support for the Trust Fund• In 2010, 63% of Iowa voters

supported the creation of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

• More than 130 organizations came together to support the ballot initiative.

The Next Step

Filling the Fund• The next step is persuading Iowa

legislators and the governor to support a revenue source for the fund.

2015 is the year• With the gubernatorial and legislative

elections complete, 2015 will be the best opportunity to secure a revenue source since the trust fund was created.

Public Opinion

Public Opinion on Our Side• 2014 poll found a large majority of

Iowans want action to support natural resources and outdoor recreation

• 95% of Iowa voters believe we need to ensure children and grandchildren can enjoy water, land, wildlife and natural beauty as we do today

Public Opinion

A majority of Iowa voters see these issues as serious problems:• Pollution of rivers, lakes and streams• Soil erosion from farmland• Flooding along rivers• Loss of wildlife habitat• Cuts in state park funding

Public Opinion

Voters want the Legislature to take the next step• Recent poll showed 66% of Iowa

voters support a revenue enhancement to fill the trust fund

• Support rises to 73% when it is paired with a reduction in income and/or property taxes

Trust Fund Details

IWILL Proposal • Funded through the sales tax, would

be offset by income, property tax cuts

• Accountability through public audits, oversight, transparency of spending

Trust Fund Goals

Scope of the Trust Fund• $150 million annually

What It Would Pay For:

Complete Strategy

Grassroots Mobilization• Mobilizing Iowa voters, activists and

grasstops to contact legislators in support of the fund

Earned Media• Editorial board meetings, op-eds,

letters to the editor, radio and desk side interviews in support of the trust fund

Complete Strategy

Coalition Support• Broadening coalition beyond groups

that supported 2010 ballot measure

Lobbying Team at the Capitol• Full-time, three-person team for

IWILL, along with coalition lobbyists

Get Involved

How Groups Can Get Involved• Join the coalition! • Allow us to list your organization as

publicly supporting IWILL• Encourage your members to volunteer

for IWILL

Get Involved

How Groups Can Get Involved• Post a link to IWILL’s website on your

website• Recruit new organizational members• Work with us to generate op-eds,

letters to the editor in local newspapers

• Engage with us on Facebook and Twitter, share our posts

Get Involved

How Individuals Can Help• Go through IWILL activist training• Reach out to state legislators in support of filling

the trust fund • Participate in IWILL’s Capitol Day – January 26,

2015• Sign the pledge on IWILL’s website• Share and retweet social media posts

Questions?