Issue Position: High Ethical Standards and Transparency

Issue Position

We must promote high ethical standards and transparency for all who have the honor to serve the public.

Our laws permit public officials to take trips--junkets--that are paid for by foundations or other organizations (though not those paid by lobbyists or an organization sponsoring a lobbyist). 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 benefits 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--reaps the primary benefits. This is why I voted "no" on the Vikings and Twins stadium deals.

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