Where is the money coming from?

This is revenue from the already existing sales tax on sporting goods in Massachusetts. Currently, the revenue goes into a general fund which the Legislature allocates to different things every year. Using money from the general fund does not take money away from any specific place. A citizen oversight board would establish rules for expenditures from this fund.

Does this exist anywhere else?

Other states including Virginia, Georgia, and Texas have already dedicated the revenue from their state’s sporting goods sales tax to conservation, providing them with hundreds of millions of dollars annually to preserve, restore, and improve their land, water, forests, parks, greenspace, and outdoor recreation.

Is this a tax increase?

No, this is not a tax increase or a new sales tax. This simply sets aside existing revenue for conservation.

What is 30x30?

30x30 is a worldwide effort by over 190 countries to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans, lands, and fresh waters by 2030. This goal is part of a larger effort to bring the negative effects of a changing climate under control by 2050. Massachusetts needs to do its part to meet this crucial goal by either passing the Nature for All bill or the Protect Water & Nature Initiative.

How will this benefit my community?

Communities across the Commonwealth will have more access to nature, increased outdoor recreation opportunities, cleaner water, and decreased pollution. Examples of projects that could be funded by this ballot initiative include upgrading public outdoor sports facilities (ex. basketball courts, soccer fields, football fields), adding and improving trails in local parks and forests, and removing pollution in bodies of water.