In a surprise reversal of their previous approval, state senators voted down a constitutional amendment designating a small percentage of sales tax for the departments of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and Marine Resources.
Both branches of the legislature approved the amendment with the necessary two-thirds majorities earlier this spring, and supporters of the bill believed it was headed to referendum this November.
The amendment would have designated 1.2 percent (about $10 million) of Maine’s sales and use tax for specific IF&W and DMR programs. Those programs would have included DMR’s sea run fisheries program and IF&W’s search and rescue, habitat conservation and endangered species programs.
However, the amendment required final approval by the senate before it went to voters. When it came before senators the second time, five previous supporters changed their vote, and one previous supporter was absent, killing the amendment by two votes.
The amendment’s sponsor, Sen. David Trahan, said he’s now working to determine the next step in his efforts to find more funding for IF&W.
“I’m saddened that the Maine people didn’t get a chance to decide,” Trahan said. “I won’t let this department wither on the vine.”
Trahan fears that with IF&W’s responsibilities expanding and fees “already maxed out,” the department will not be able to function without a new revenue source or increased general fund money, he said.
Currently, user fees charged to sportsmen provide the majority of funding for the programs slated for sales tax support. The programs in question would be limited to those that do not solely benefit sportsmen. For example, IF&W is responsible for reviewing all applications for wind power sites throughout the state, and they are the lead agency on search and rescue efforts.
Trahan sponsored the amendment because he believes that funding these programs solely with user fees – a trend he fears is taking hold – will make hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities financially out of reach for many Mainers.
