We received the following information from a conservative legislator:
“We don’t have a lot of good news in Minnesota politics lately. So I thought I would send you this note to let you know about a big win we had in draining the Minnesota swamp.
Two years ago I authored legislation banning sitting legislators from working for lobbying firms. It’s disgusting behavior and it is how the swamp gets deeper in St Paul – and yes, it IS occurring today. An elected leader of my own party is the “political affairs director” for a lobbying firm representing big pharma, a solar panel manufacturer, and companies heavily invested in broadband, plus dozens of more multinationals. With conflicts of interest like this, it’s no wonder why taxpayer handouts are increasing.
Legislators on both sides of the aisle would privately tell me that we should ban the practice, but only a bold few would state their positions publicly because they didn’t want to rock the boat.
In 2019, over 76 million dollars were spent lobbying Minnesota lawmakers. Minnesota’s lobbying laws are weak, and much of the additional spending is not reported. Our State received a D minus grade on a national review of lobbying laws.
Three months ago, this legislation banning legislators from working for lobbying firms passed the Minnesota House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor. Yes, we passed the most significant lobbying reform in many years. It was a big win for draining the swamp.
We are fighting to advance freedom and liberty in St Paul. Yes, Republicans are in the minority. But it doesn’t mean we have to stop cleaning up the government. Here is why lobbying reform was necessary.”