Independence Party Threatens Lawsuit
E-12 Omnibus Bill in Jeopardy

Independence Party chair Jack Uldrich notified Governor Pawlenty and the leaders of both the Republican and DFL parties that the Independence Party intends to challenge the constitutionality of the insertion of an amendment relating to the definition of “major” and “minor” political parties into the E-12 Omnibus bill.

“The amendment clearly violates the Minnesota Constitution which states that “No law shall embrace more than one subject,” said Uldrich. “Furthermore, the fact that the Republican and DFL legislators slipped this anti-democratic provision in a huge bill in the midnights hours over the Memorial Day weekend -- without notifying either the IP or the Green Party -- will provide the Minnesota Supreme Court all the evidence it needs to throw out the whole bill.”

If the Court agrees with the Independence Party, Governor Pawlenty and the Minnesota legislature will be required to call another special session – at taxpayer expense – to re-pass the E-12 Omnibus bill.

“It is the hope of the Independence Party that the legislature will simply correct this serious mistake today so that education funding will not be jeopardized and the Minnesota taxpayers will not have to pay for the Legislature’s arrogance and stupidity,” concluded Uldrich.

The bill originally numbered SF1249, did not make it out of committee during the regular session. House members Marty Seifert (GOP) and Margret Kelliher (DFL) attached it as an amendment in today’s special session.

The bill delay’s the distribution of political funds until November 1st, tying the hands of any political party not funded by special interest groups. Currently, funds are distributed to qualifying candidates after the primary results are certified. The bill also eliminates any political party from maintaining major party status if they do not have a presidential candidate.

“Minnesota gave the dominant political parties back the two party system in the last election. They have blown it. The DFL and GOP know Minnesota will not give them this chance again. Now they are doing what ever they can to decimate political choice in Minnesota.” stated Nate Sohriakoff Independence Party strategist.

Released: 5/28/03