Authority for political subdivisions to contribute to nonprofits has been axed.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty used his veto pen to put a stop to the bill April 25.
Sponsored by Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), the bill would have authorized political subdivisions to give money or make in-kind gifts to nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) groups. Such groups are restricted from lobbying or supporting political parties. The bill specified that gifts would have needed to be for a public purpose that supports educational, social service, health or charitable purposes and be presented and voted on at a regularly scheduled meeting of the subdivision’s governing body.
“Existing law already allows political subdivisions to make grants to nonprofit organizations pursuant to specific appropriations or statutory authority,” Pawlenty wrote in his veto message. “At a time when many political subdivisions are raising property taxes and requesting additional local government aid, granting political subdivisions authority to use taxpayer money to make unlimited charitable contributions or initiate new grant programs is simply not warranted.”
Pawlenty said local governments should focus on lowering property taxes, which would leave more money in the pockets of Minnesotans. Residents could then decide for themselves which organization, if any, to donate funds.
HF3220*/SF2929/CH237