ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – With Election Day There’s a question on the ballot on Tuesday that could impact Minnesota environment.

What is the question?

The question before voters is whether they want to renew part of the state’s powers. lottery money for the environment and natural resources. A University of Minnesota policy expert says the fund was created in 1988.

“There’s no new taxpayer money. It’s coming from the state lottery. If you don’t play the state lottery, then you won’t be affected by this at all,” Larry Jacobs said , professor of politics at the University of Washington. Minnesota.

For 35 years, 40% of Minnesota Lottery revenues have been dedicated to protecting drinking water sources and water quality in lakes, rivers and streams. In 1998 it was renewed. Voters will be able to decide Tuesday whether they want to renew it for another 25 years.

“That’s about a billion dollars that has already been dedicated to the environment. Minnesotans are passionate about the outdoors and this is how they support their investment with hard-earned dollars,” Jacobs said.

This also includes conserving wildlife habitat and natural areas as well as expanding access to parks and trails.

What they say

Jacobs says there is broad support for the fund’s vote. However, some Republicans have criticized the trust fund renewal.

“There are Republicans who are criticizing it now for several reasons. The first is that the legislature will no longer have any role to play. The DNR commissioner will make the final decisions,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs says that with things heating up in the race for the White House and a potential upset of the Minnesota State House, the lottery issue may have been overlooked in its importance.

“At the very bottom is this constitutional amendment dealing with whether 40 percent of the national lottery should continue to be spent on the environment and natural resources,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs adds that if voters want to approve this and move forward with the renewal, they will need to fill out the “yes” box. If you skip this voting question, it will continue as a “no” vote.

If it doesn’t pass, the money will go back to the state’s general fund and then state lawmakers will determine what to do with it.