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Tina Liebling on Government Reform |
Our laws permit public officials to take trips--junkets--that are paid for by foundations or other organizations (but not by lobbyists). These organizations include ALEC, an organization of large corporations that writes corporate-friendly legislation for legislators (almost always Republicans) to introduce in their states. My amendment to require disclosure of these trips by members of the Minnesota House was voted down by Republicans.
Not all sponsored trips are bad, but the recipient should be required to disclose these perks to the public. We must make sure that the wealthy and well connected play by the same rules as everyone else.
Public money should be invested only where the public--not billionaire owners or another special interest group--will reap the benefits commensurate with the investment. This is why I voted "no" on the Vikings and Twins stadium deals.
All voters must be subject to identical standards of eligibility verification before voting and the state must make photographic identification available to eligible voters at no cost to them. The following persons shall not be permitted to vote at any election: A person not meeting the above requirements [for photo ID] ; a person who has been convicted of a felony, unless restored to civil rights; a person under guardianship, or a person who is not mentally competent.
Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on April 4, 2011 and hence reintroduced as constitutional ballot initiative; passed House 72-62 on March 20, 2012; Rep. Tina Liebling voted YES; passed Senate 35-29 on April 4, 2012; defeated 54%-46% by voters as "Amendment 2" on Nov 6, 2012.