Stop Big Money and Corporate Interests from Dominating MN Elections

Have you ever made a campaign contribution to a candidate in a MN election and then received a reimbursement from the MN Department of Revenue after filing a simple form? That program, unique to Minnesota, is called the Political Contribution Refund Programor PCR. This is one of the guardrails that keeps our elections clean. 

The Governor has proposed eliminating the PCR. This program is a vital safeguard that ensures the voices of everyday Minnesotans are heard over the influence of big money in politics. Right now, the House and Senate are deciding whether to include this critical program in the state budget—and they need to hear from ALL OF US.

The PCR is one of the most effective ways to keep our elections clean. It allows average citizens to have a voice by offering refunds for small donations to their preferred candidates and parties. This encourages more voter engagement and ensures that candidates connect directly with the people, not just special interest groups. In fact, 90% of candidates—from both sides of the aisle—participate in this program, which requires them to agree to spending limits and prevents the wealthy from drowning out the voices of everyday citizens.

If the PCR is eliminated, we risk allowing big money and corporate interests to dominate Minnesota’s elections. Now, more than ever, we need this state public financing program to continue.

Please take a moment to call the following leaders and demand that they keep the PCR in place as an essential guardrail for clean elections in MN:

• Speaker of the House, Lisa Demuth – 651-296-4373

• Representative Melissa Hortman, Speaker Emeritus – 651-296-4280

• Co-Chair, Ways and Means, Paul Torkelson – 651-296-9303

• Co-Chair, Ways and Means, Zack Stephenson – 651-296-5513

• Chair, Senate Finance, John Marty – 651-296-5645

• Minority Chair, Senate Finance, Eric Pratt – 651-296-4123

• Governor Tim Walz – 651-201-3400

Let them know: Minnesota’s Political Contribution Refund Program must remain in place to protect the integrity of our elections.