Brad Finstad on Government Reform

	Brad Finstad on Government Reform

Voted against the Presidential Electoral Count Reform Act

On Sept. 21, District 1 interim Rep. Brad Finstad voted against the Presidential Electoral Count Reform Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support. The bill has now moved on to the Senate, sponsored by 11 senators from each party, as well as being fully supported by Senate leadership, including GOP leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. Updating the antiquated 1887 law is the right thing to do, but Finstad voted no, side by side with supporters of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Source: Mankato Free Press on 2022 House incumbent MN-1 race , Oct 2, 2022

Don't saddle farmers with burdensome regulations

The First District is blessed with a robust agricultural economy, as well as a strong workforce, and outstanding schools and universities. As a member of both the Agriculture Committee and the Education and Labor Committee, I will work to make sure we are serving the needs of our farmers, rather than saddling them with burdensome regulations; that our workforce is productive and competitive; and that every student--from preschool to college--has the opportunity and access to a good education. Source: Southern Minnesota News on 2022 House incumbent MN-1 race , Oct 2, 2022

Loosen restrictions on liquor licenses near state facilities

Legislative summary of SF2696: Clarifying the prohibition on the issuance of intoxicating liquor licenses in proximity to certain state institutions.

Summary by OnTheIssues: Allow liquor licenses near county jails, but disallow liquor licenses within 1,000 feet of a state hospital, training school, reformatory, prison, or other institution under the supervision or control of the commissioner of human services or the commissioner of corrections.

Governor's Veto Message: There are many other facilities beyond hospitals, training schools, reformatories and prisons that are under the supervision or control of the Commissioners of Human Services or Corrections. It would surprise me if the Legislature intended to allow liquor sales near all such facilities. Yet, the bill seems to do just that."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 124-8-2 on May/13/04; State Rep. Finstad voted YES; Passed Senate 57-3-7 on May/14/04; Vetoed on May/29/04.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: SF2696 , May 13, 2004

Shift approval of local rules from Governor to Legislature

Legislative Summary of House File 624: Local government impact notes provided for state agency rule proposals, and legislative approval required for specified rulemaking.

Governor's Veto Message: The bill essentially shifts authority for conducting rulemaking from the executive branch to the legislative branch. Under current law, the legislature has granted the Governor's office final approval authority on all rulemakings. This is sound policy as it provides accountability in a way that does not paralyze either branch of government. House File 624 would impose that responsibility on the already over-stressed legislative process.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 124-8-2 on May/16/03; State Rep. Brad Finstad voted YES; Passed Senate 60-0-7 on May/16/03; Vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May/27/03.

Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF624 , May 16, 2003

Keep restrictions on liquor licenses near state facilities