Joe Swedberg (from left), Hormel Foods Corporation, moderated an exchange between Pat Shortridge (center) and Ken Martin during Minnesota Business Day at the Capitol. They are the respective chairs of the state Republican and Democratic parties. Mike Bromelkamp (left), Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd., and Tom Hesse, Minnesota Chamber vice president of government affairs, testify at the Legislature in support of a bill to convert the sales tax refund program for capital equipment to an up-front exemption. Environmental and energy policies were center stage at this Insiders' Issue breakfast: (from left) Deputy Commissioner Bill Grant, Department of Commerce Energy Division; Commissioner Paul Aasen, Pollution Control Agency; Senator John Carlson, R-Bemidji; Senator Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont. Leadership Minnesota participants received a private audience with Governor Mark Dayton during their wrap-up session for this program year. Leadership Minnesota is exclusive to the Minnesota Chamber and provides insight into the state's changing economy and the issues that will shape its future. An industry panel addressed workforce issues at the recent Grow Minnesota! Partnership Meeting held on February 22nd in Owatonna. Pictured are Beth Dienst, Human Resources Director, Viracon, Inc.-Owatonna., Rodney Gramse, Director of Operations, MRG Tool and Die Corp. -Faribault, and Tim Wenzel, President, Winegar, Inc.-Waseca. Legislative leaders shared their views at Session Priorities: (from left) Senate Majority Leader David Senjem, House Speaker Kurt Zellers, moderator Tom Hauser of KSTP-TV, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk.


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Campaign Finance Reform

Issue

How do we make Minnesota’s campaign finance laws fair and equitable for all participants and the public?

Policy

  • Administrative support for political committees by corporations and trade associations: Adopt federal campaign law which permits for-profit and nonprofit corporations to use treasury funds to establish and administer a political action committee without restrictions.  This would include the cost of office space, phones, salaries, utilities, supplies, bank charges, legal and accounting fees and fundraising expenses. 

  • Advisory opinions: Extend the authority of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to give advisory opinions on Minnesota Statutes Chapter 211B, dealing with fair campaign practices and corporate political contributions.  (The only way to get an opinion today on this statute is to ask all 87 county attorneys.)

  • Independent expenditures: Oppose any and all efforts to place additional restrictions on truthful, issue-oriented independent expenditure activity, regardless of the timing of the expenditures. 

  • Federal pre-emption clarification: Clarify that Minnesota campaign finance laws apply to state and local races only.  They do not apply to elections for the U.S. House or Senate, which are governed by federal election laws.

  • Opt-in requirement for labor unions: Require labor unions to obtain annual written permission from each member before using any portion of membership dues for political purposes.

  • Campaign materials: Allow businesses to display campaign materials, including lawn signs, on business property.

  • False claims penalized: Individuals who intentionally make false or bad-faith claims that a person or business has violated the corporate contribution prohibition shall be liable for defense costs of the party against whom the claim is made.

Business Impact

Passing legislation which levels the playing field for business-funded organizations’ political committees and funds will create uniformity and allow for more participation and information to reach Minnesota voters.   Members of Minnesota’s business community will be able to participate like their counterparts without the fear of breaking Minnesota’s election laws. 

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