GOP leaders: No tax hike for environment fund

(AP) - Iowa's incoming Republican governor and the man in line to be speaker of the Iowa House both say they oppose a sales tax increase that's needed to infuse cash into a voter-approved environmental fund.

Voters on Tuesday approved the creation of a new Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, which would be supported with a three-eighths of 1 percent sales tax increase. However, The Des Moines Register reports Thursday that incoming governor Terry Branstad and Rep. Kraig Paulsen say they oppose the tax increase.

The goal of the $150 million-a-year campaign is to improve the state's environment and recreational facilities.

Sean McMahon is Iowa director of the Nature Conservancy. McMahon predicts a tax increase someday.