Minnesota lawmakers might pass the largest environmental budget in state history. Including some new fees.
May 07, 2023 05:49AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Lawmakers are very likely to spend heavily on the DNR as part of a massive environment and natural resources budget now making its way through the Legislature that covers the work of several state agencies. Creative Commons/briandjan607
By Walker Orenstein - MinnPost - May 5, 2023
By Walker Orenstein - MinnPost - May 5, 2023
The DNR’s multi-pronged budget request stems from the agency’s unusual funding. Only a quarter of the DNR budget comes from the state’s general fund, which is the main pot of taxpayer money from things like income taxes that feed state spending.
The rest of the DNR’s finances come from a mix of other sources. Primarily, the DNR makes money through user fees — things like park permits, fishing and hunting licenses and boat registrations. So even as the state reports an eye-popping, record-smashing surplus, the DNR’s budget picture is separate, and in some areas, in trouble.
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