×

State bills threaten Campaign Finance Reform Committee

To the editor:

I am concerned about bills advancing in the state legislature which would combine to devastate any effective regulation of special interests influencing voters in Minnesota.

George Beck, former chair of the Minnesota Campaign Finance Reform Committee, provides an accurate and concise description of these bills:

“The legislative majority is attempting to make a stunning and very harmful change in the way political campaigns are run in Minnesota. It has placed its agenda in several bills this session, but together they effectively override the will of the people in this state in favor of the power of money.

“The public subsidy program which allows taxpayers to contribute $5 to support campaigns is proposed to be abolished. Pending legislation virtually eliminates the rule making authority of the Campaign Finance Board and the budget bill slashes the Board’s budget by 33 percent which will require layoffs from the Board’s already inadequate nine member staff. The Board is the public’s only assurance that there will be some oversight of lobbyists, legislators, and other public officials.

“Hidden in the tax bill is the termination of the political contribution refund program that allowed small donors to participate in contributions to political campaigns and helped offset the influence of big donors. And finally, the House failed to act on the confirmation of two applicants for membership on the Board within the 45 day deadline. As a result the Board lacks a quorum and cannot act.

“There is strong public support for campaign finance reform and an effective Campaign Finance Board. Because the majority has placed its policy provisions in budget bills, the Governor will hard pressed to exercise a veto. The proposed changes will change the face of Minnesota elections and destroy programs that have been nationally recognized for excellence. Unless we raise our voices and contact our legislators, democracy will suffer in Minnesota and “pay to play” will rule.”

Please contact your legislators and Governor Dayton to urge them to support a strong and effective Campaign Finance Board.

Ruth Ann Webster

New Ulm

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today