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House committee advances proposed doubling of public campaign reimbursement

By Mike Cook
HF1489 would change the annual maximum amount of the political contribution refund from $50 to $100 for an individual and $100 to $200 for a married couple filing jointly. (House Photography file photo)
HF1489 would change the annual maximum amount of the political contribution refund from $50 to $100 for an individual and $100 to $200 for a married couple filing jointly. (House Photography file photo)

Since 1990, a political contribution refund program has permitted Minnesotans to reclaim some or all of their contribution to a candidate or political party if the candidate has signed an agreement to limit spending during the election cycle.

But for many people the hassle for a minimal return has not been worth it.

Advocates for a bill to double the returnable dollars are optimistic a change would encourage more smaller donations and help reduce the perception that politicians are beholden just to big money donors.

Sponsored by Rep. Nathan Coulter (DFL-Bloomington), HF1489, as amended, would change the annual maximum amount of the political contribution refund from $50 to $100 for an individual and $100 to $200 for a married couple filing jointly. Limits would be adjusted for inflation in future years.
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House committee advances proposed doubling of public campaign reimbursement
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Mary Hartnett, executive director of Clean Elections Minnesota, testifies Wednesday before the House Elections Finance and Policy Committee in support of HF1489. (Photo by Catherine Davis) Since 1990, a political contribution refund program has permitted Minnesotans to reclaim some or all of their contribution to a candidate or political party if the candidate has...
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