On November 7, 2006, sixty percent of New Jersey voters approved ballot question #2. As a result, for the first time, capital needs at state and locally-owned parks, open spaces and historic sites will benefit from a stable source of funding. For more information on this ballot question, please review the frequently asked questions or download the background materials available below.

Detailed Explanation of Ballot Question #2
ACR195 - The resolution that created Ballot question #2
FAQ Sheet on Ballot Question #2

Frequently Asked Questions: Ballot Question #2 2006

1. What was the result of passage of ballot question #2 in 2006?
Passage of ballot question #2 in November 2006 created an ongoing, stable source of funding for capital repairs, improvements, construction and renovations at New Jersey’ state, county and local parks, natural areas and historic sites without requiring any new taxes or any other revenue source to be used or raised. The constitutional amendment reallocated a surplus of existing, environmentally-dedicated funds from the Corporate Business Tax, in the amount of $15 million a year through 2015 and $32 million a year thereafter, to improving these areas.

2. How can we spend more money on parks and natural areas without new taxes?
In 1996, New Jersey voted to dedicate 4% of the Corporate Business Tax revenue to environmental programs, including a program to clean up underground storage tanks. The ballot question moved money from that fund, which had a large surplus, to a new fund that will be used to make repairs at these natural areas. Rather than continue to put funding into a program that doesn’t need it, the ballot question enabled the use of those funds for another environmental purpose.

3. Why did we have to amend the Constitution?
Any time the State dedicates money to a particular purpose, the State Constitution has to be amended. This ensures that the money is spent for the purpose for which it is dedicated. Whenever that dedication is to be changed, as in this proposal, the voters have to approve that change.

4. If we didn’t need this tax money, why didn’t we just cut taxes?
These funds come from the Corporate Business Tax, and certainly New Jersey could have decided to cut corporate taxes by 4%, which is the amount dedicated to environmental programs. However, given that outdoor recreation contributes nearly $4 billion to New Jersey’s economy each year, including nearly $150 million in state tax revenue, many New Jerseyans – including nearly every member of the Legislature (the resolution to create the ballot question passed the state Senate and Assembly by a combined 119-0) – thought that this was an appropriate investment in our parks and our economy.

5. Why is this stable source of funding for improvements so important to our natural areas and historic sites?
Our parks and natural areas have been inadequately funded for decades. This lack of funding has resulted in an overall decline in the quality of these areas and a $250 million backlog in repairs at state parks, which has resulted in the closure of nature centers and campgrounds, dilapidated boat ramps and inadequate facilities for visitors. While the state has increased its open space by over 200,000 acres in the last ten years, resources have not been available to maintain these lands and create opportunities for New Jersey residents and visitors. Passage of this ballot question created an on-going, dedicated source of money to address this backlog as well as future needs and ensure high-quality, accessible natural areas in communities across the state.

6. How will this new funding for our parks, historic sites, and wildlife management areas benefit New Jersey’s communities?
High-quality community natural areas and historic sites provide opportunities for recreation, education, and economic development. They build community and ensure public health through the protection of air and water resources. In addition, they safeguard wildlife habitat and boost local economies by stabilizing local property taxes, spurring revitalization, supporting area businesses, and providing a better quality of life.

7. More specifically, how will passage of this ballot question benefit urban areas?
New Jersey’s natural areas play an important role in ensuring a high quality of life in urban communities across the state. Parks have been shown to enhance urban quality of life by maintaining real estate values and mitigating water and air pollution. These urban natural resources can reduce the disproportionate impact of a myriad illness on urban dwellers. Well-programmed parks are also linked to crime reduction and the preservation of green infrastructure that provide habitat for rare species of birds and wildlife. In addition, urban parks provide recreational opportunities and have been shown to enhance neighborhood economic revitalization by stabilizing property taxes and promoting area businesses.

8. Did passage of ballot question #2 in 2006 take care of all of New Jersey’s open space, natural areas and historic site needs?
Passage of ballot question #2 addressed a portion of New Jersey’s natural areas needs, by creating a funding source for capital projects, such as repairing boat ramps, at parks and natural areas. At the same time, the program that provides money to acquire open space, known as the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT), is running out of money. We all know how expensive land is in New Jersey, and the cost of acquiring open space keeps going up and up. However, we still need to keep preserving open space to keep protecting our drinking water supplies, habitat for animals and recreational opportunities for our citizens. Please tell your senators and assemblypersons to renew and strengthen the Garden State Preservation Trust and to include funds for maintenance, operations and stewardship of existing and newly purchased lands in the Trust.

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