Laserfiche WebLink
How did corporate interests influence the debate? <br /> Most state house candidates agreed to the prescribed $25,000 campaign <br /> spending limit, in order to qualify for state campaign funds. The busi- <br /> ness community, on the other hand, reached into their deep pockets to <br /> contribute over $7 million to candidates and political party units, and <br /> then spent at least $330,000 more on direct mail. billboards and radio <br /> advertising to get their tax cut message out during the 2000 election <br /> cycle. <br /> A healthy. engaged democracy would ensure that everyone has a safe and <br /> affordable pIicc to live. Instead. we have ii government that represents <br /> the interests that fund our political system. Election money had a huge <br /> impact not only on the outcomes of elections, but also in defining the <br /> issues in targeted races. Corporate interests were able to create such <br /> great tax rebate and tax cut expectations, it became politically unpopular <br /> for state lawmakers to do anything else in the 2001 legislative session. <br /> Is there any solution? <br /> While politicians jostle to take credit for the tax cuts and rebates, critical <br /> social programs, including affordable housing, continue to go by the <br /> wayside. Was cutting taxes by more than $750 million really in the pub- <br /> lic's best interest? Or did we miss an opportunity to make a direct <br /> investment in Minnesota's future? <br /> Under our current campaign finance system, corporate executives can use <br /> their wealth to shape the public debate to their benefit. We need a cam- <br /> paign finance system that will give other interests an equal chance to be <br /> heard. We need a Fair and Clean Elections system. <br /> The campaign finance data is based on reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign <br /> Finance and Public Disclosure Board and analysis done by the National Institute on <br /> Money in State Politics and the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action (MApA). <br /> Information on housing issues was found at the Housing Minnesota and the Minnesota <br /> Housing Partnership web sites. Information on the tax cuts and rebates was provided <br /> by the Minnesota Budget Project. <br /> PA <br />