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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION SPURS NEED FOR STATE ACTION ON ELECTION REFORM
ST. PAUL, MN – The United States Supreme Court handed down a decision today that will change the face of elections in Minnesota. The 5-4 decision lifted campaign contribution limits for corporations and special interest groups, overturning 100 years of First Amendment law.
State Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) is concerned this decision could tip the balance of political influence in Minnesota from voters to corporations and special interest groups. He plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming 2010 Session to help restore the integrity of elections in Minnesota, and to help every Minnesotan have a voice in the political process.
“This decision will give corporations and special interest groups unfettered power to influence the outcomes of elections in Minnesota," said Rep. Winkler. “It will fundamentally erode the integrity of our electoral system and silence the voices of individual voters. Immediate steps must be taken in Minnesota to level the playing field and restore balance to our campaign finance laws.”
Winkler’s proposed legislation would bring more sunlight to political contributions and spending, and enhance citizen participation in four important ways. The bill would:
1. Require disclosure and disclaimers from the corporations and special interests spending money to influence Minnesota elections;
2. Increase disclosure requirements for all candidates, including more frequent campaign finance reporting in all years of the election cycle;
3. Increase contribution limits for all Minnesota candidates, ensuring corporations and special interests don’t have unfair influence over the political process; and
4. Reinstate the Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program, empowering individual Minnesotans to more effectively and affordably participate in the political process.
“The Court’s decision will have an almost immediate impact on the electoral process in Minnesota,” Winkler said. “State lawmakers have a responsibility to work together quickly to restore the balance of political power in Minnesota to individual citizens.
“With so much at stake in these challenging times, it is more important than ever to ensure Minnesota’s elected leaders are held accountable to the public – rather than bending to the will of special interests,” continued Winkler. “Before a 2010 gubernatorial election that will make such a difference for Minnesota's future, we must enact immediate campaign finance reform when the legislature reconvenes in February.”
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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