The Sherburne County Board is considering taking a stance on big money in politics.

 

At their last meeting, the commissioners agreed to hold a workshop to discuss a resolution supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to overturn the 2010 ruling of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

 

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions have the same political speech rights as individuals under the First Amendment. 

 

Cheryl Hoag and Kathryn Tasto gave a presentation to the board, asking for its support to help pass Senate File 1082 and House File 2139 to allow the people to regulate spending in elections to protect the integrity of government and the equal rights of all Americans.

 

Hoag said a survey shows over 80% of Americans want the decision to be overturned, and a bipartisan survey of corporate executives in 2013 found over 70% felt major contributors from special interest groups have too much influence on politicians.

 

She said lobbyists in the healthcare industry are affecting the future of long-term care by pushing for caps on Medicaid that  would eliminate a system based on medical need and replacing it with drastic cuts to services and eligibility.

 

Tasto said special interest groups for the drug industry are hindering the fight against opioid addiction.

 

“The Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) effort to control the illegal distribution of prescription opioid was thwarted by legislation passed in congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Obama,” she said. “It resulted in a lack of government protections, preventing the DEA from doing its job.

 

She said the drug industry was fueling the problem by working behind the scenes and spending millions on lobbying and campaign contributions.

 

Tasto said the spending inequities also affect small businesses, which comprise most of the businesses in Sherburne County.

 

“In 2012, big business spent 40 times more on lobbying and 20 times more on campaign contributions than small business associations,” she said.           

 

 “Congressional candidates who raise more money win 91% of the time. And political donors are six times more likely to get a meeting with lawmakers.”

 

She said the playing field is uneven, and it can only be changed by reversing the decision that allows special interests to control the American political system.

 

“Politicians are pressured to keep their big business donors happy, leaving small businesses behind,” she said.             

 

“Remove big money in politics and return control of the government to the people.”

 

Hoag said 19 states have already voted to support the amendment.

 

Members of the board weren’t prepared to pass the resolution immediately. They agreed to hold a workshop with the county attorney to review the language and discuss the legislation.