by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Voters next year might have the chance to increase the state sales tax three-eighths percent, slating about $280 million a year to clean water, wildlife, habitat, and the arts.

The House early Sunday (May 20) morning passed a proposed constitutional amendment that could have state residents voting on the sales tax dedication next year.

The dedication passed the House on a 86-46 vote.

The Senate recently passed its version of the proposed amendment.

"I use to be a purist on this," said House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, House author of the dedication, of his earlier opposition to it. But over time he came to realize its necessity, he said.

The dedication would sunset after 25 years.

Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, repeatedly attempted to amend the bill.

Hackbarth a driving force

Hackbarth has been one of the driving forces for the dedication in the House, though has championed the use of existing sales tax dollars.

The Cedar Republican attempted to make the legislation statutory - something lawmakers by themselves could vote on - and also to make the dedication smaller, using the existing sales tax dollars.

"I want this to pass on the ballot," said Hackbarth.

"The voters are going to say