Over a $1 billion has been collected into two trust funds to develop state parks. | Pixabay
Over a $1 billion has been collected into two trust funds to develop state parks. | Pixabay
Michigan Rep. Eric Leutheuser (R-Hillsdale) said voters will have two proposals to amend the Michigan Constitution on Tuesday, Nov. 3, one that would allow for more redevelopment of state land for use including recreation, and another that would prevent searching a person’s electronic data without a warrant.
“Both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature voted unanimously to present these questions to voters,” Leutheuser said, according to Michigan House Republicans.
Under the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund since 1976, revenue from oil, gas and mineral leases on state property has been collected to acquire land for conservation and recreation. Since its beginnings, over a $1 billion has been collected into two trust funds to develop state parks, acquire land and fund projects in every Michigan county.
Rep. Eric Leutheuser
| Michigan House Republicans
Endowment money is invested by the Michigan Treasury, along with monies for state pension and retirement plans.
Under the prior equation, no more than 25% of money was to go to redevelopment, improvement of existing land or facilities, with the majority for new land acquisitions. Under the new proposal, “not less than 25%” could be used for land and facilities improvements and acquisitions. A remaining 50% would remain “flexible,” to be used as needed.
A second Constitutional amendment would prohibit electronic records, data and communications (emails) seizures by government officials without a search warrant under the same current requirement needed to search a person’s house or search through their personal belongings.
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