FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2021

 New survey shows overwhelming support for public lands funding

Poll suggests a ‘slippery slope’ for lawmakers keen on sending marijuana revenue elsewhere

(BOZEMAN, Mont.) – A new, bipartisan survey of hundreds of Montana voters finds overwhelming support for robust public lands funding, as state lawmakers consider voter-approved tax revenue meant to do just that.

The 2021 Western States Survey from Colorado College says 90 percent of Montana voters agree that “even with state budget problems, we should still find money to protect Montana’s land, water and wildlife.”

“Montana lawmakers already have an Election Day mandate from voters to prioritize funding for our public lands and conservation,” said Whitney Tawney, Executive Director of Montana Conservation Voters. “It would be deeply unpopular for lawmakers to send that money anywhere else.”

Tawney referred to the decisive passage of Initiative 190 on November 3. I-190, which passed by a margin of 57 percent, legalizes and taxes the regulated use of recreational marijuana. About half the tax revenue generated from marijana taxes is designed to support state-owned public lands like state parks, as well as successful conservation efforts like Habitat Montana.

In January, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte released a state budget proposal that diverts tax revenue from recreational marijuana away from public lands and conservation. Lawmakers, however, have the final say.

“It’s important that our elected leaders in Helena understand exactly what their constituents expect of them as they finalize our budget,” Tawney said. “This has nothing to do with partisan politics; it has everything to do with the priorities of Montana. And the voters of Montana have made it clear that they prioritize robust funding for public lands and conservation.”

The Colorado College survey, conducted in January, indicates 68 percent of Montanans “strongly agree” with prioritizing public lands funding, while another 22 percent “somewhat agree.” The survey, which contacted at least 400 voters in Montana, has a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percent.

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