WWLP Springfield: What Massachusetts voters need to know about Question 6 on the ballot

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – 22News is your local election headquarters and we’re working for you by taking a closer look at each of the nine questions that will be on the ballot in this election.

Ballot question 6 is a proposal to create a Nature for All Fund. Money for this fund would come from the existing state taxes collected on the sale and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles and golf courses.

A “yes vote would establish a Nature for All Fund which would be designed for natural resource conservation as well as the creation and maintenance of parks, trails and green spaces.

A “no” vote would not create this fund or change how sales and use taxes are spent.

Supporters of question 6 say it would dedicate more than $100 million a year to protect clean drinking water, reduce pollution and conserve forests among other priorities. They note it would not create a new tax or increase existing taxes.

On the other side, a legislative report on the question says the proposal relies on existing state revenue streams that are currently allocated to other programs and projects. That would mean the state would have to reallocate or reduce funding for these other priorities.

Further, the report says even if the question passes, it doesn’t necessarily mean money would be allocated to the fund because the legislature retains the authority to appropriate money.

A number of conservation groups have lined up to support question 6, including Mass Audubon, the trustees of reservations and the nature conservancy.

There is no organized opposition to question 6, though the Massachusetts republican party is endorsing a “no” vote.