Governor's Cuts and Fees Endanger Our Democracy

Although Governor Pawlenty pledged that the burden of deficit recovery would be shared, his latest budget proposal shelters his political interests. By reducing the political public subsidy programs, he is further restricting democratic participation by those without substantial financial resources. Cutting programs that help candidates and political parties raise funds directly from Minnesota's citizens will increase the influence of special interest money in our political system.

The proposal will have little to no effect on the Republican and Democratic parties who rely heavily on donations from PAC's, unions, and corporations. Even as these cuts are being proposed, Governor Pawlenty is being questioned concerning special interest money funneled to his campaign in last year's election.

The Independence Party and IP candidates take no special interest money, relying heavily on the type of grass roots fundraising supported by those programs. In last year's election, the Tim Penny campaign raised an unprecedented amount of campaign funds through direct public contributions.

The proposed cuts will significantly impact Minnesotans' future political choice. Although the Governor believes by not raising taxes he is fulfilling the wishes of Minnesotans, he is ignoring the 57% of Minnesotans who believe our state is better off with more than two political parties. (For poll results http://www.startribune.com/stories/784/3334606.html.)

"This is a knife at our throat and it's there to cut the life blood of financial support to any third party or candidate who wants to stand apart from the current money game of politics," commented Dan Justesen, Independence Party treasurer.

The Governor's original budget proposal included a significant increase in fees as a self-funding mechanism for the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. The board fined the Governor after he was found guilty of breaking campaign finance law in last year's election.

The funding would come from fees paid by each political committee registered with Campaign Finance. Proposed fees include $1,000 per biennium for statewide office candidates, $500 for State Senate candidates, and $350 for State House candidates. Political parties and party units would pay 1% of their yearly expenditures.

Terrell Brown, Independence Party of Minnesota Government Affairs Chair, stated, "The cost of insuring that elections are fair should be paid by all, not just those who take the time to participate. I think I could draw a reasonable analogy between these fees and the old Southern poll taxes(1)."

There is a growing concern among Minnesotans who believe special interest money is overpowering their voice in the political process. The Independence Party of Minnesota is dedicated to addressing this issue and encouraging participation of average citizens in politics. The Governor's proposed cuts and fees are a threat to our democratic process by limiting participation to those with substantial financial access.

(1) Between 1889 and 1910 poll taxes were instituted in the southern United States to keep poor Americans, specifically African Americans and women, from exercising their right to vote. By the 1940's, most poll taxes were abolished in the United States.

Release: 3/18/03