![Environment Funds Would Pay For Property Taxes In Bill](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/09/117855612-300x200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Environment Funds Would Pay For Property Taxes In Bill
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A proposal from a bipartisan group of Minnesota lawmakers would divert money from two environmental funds to pay for schools, roads and other local needs.
Reports say the two environmental funds are used to buy private property that's often turned over to the state to become protected land.
Local governments are currently reimbursed for lost property taxes through the state's general fund, but the proposal would move that responsibility to the environmental funds.
The bill has bipartisan support in the GOP-controlled House, and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says he supports it. But opponents question whether it's constitutional, given the two funds were established in amendments approved by voters.
It's not clear how much the plan would cost the environmental funds.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Stearns, Sherburne Counties Revise Late Property Tax Penalties](http://townsquare.media/site/437/files/2014/12/cash1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![House GOP Eyes Tax Cut For Minnesota Cabin Owners](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/04/cabin_snow_400x300.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![1st MN House Bills on School IOUs, Property Tax](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/12/Minnesota-State-Capitol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Deadline Looms for Homestead Applications](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/11/Stearns-County-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)