Health & Fitness
Elections Bill Improves Oversight, Increases Public Scrutiny of Elected Officials
The MN House passed a campaign finance reform bill that will increase transparency and help the public hold politicians accountable.
ST. PAUL, MN -- On Wednesday, the House passed a campaign finance reform bill (SF 661) that will increase transparency and help the public hold politicians accountable on a bipartisan vote of 111-22.
It also reduces the influence of outside third party groups, which have become increasingly powerful since the Supreme Court ruled in favor of unlimited corporate donations in the case Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission.
Included within the bill is Rep. Rick Hansen’s (DFL – South St. Paul) amendment, which requires judges and county commissioners submit campaign disclosure paperwork like other elected officials. Increased disclosure will reduce undue conflicts of interest and improve public oversight.
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“It’s important that Minnesotans know that we aren't playing politics with the electoral process. The broad bipartisan support this bill received should give Minnesotans comfort,” said Rep. Hansen. “We know that sunshine is the best disinfectant – the increased public oversight should help keep our elections clean.”
More information about the bill can be found online.