State of Minnesota Archives: on Corporations

Al Franken: Oppo AdWatch: Franken limits free speech issue advocacy

The ad criticizes Franken for calling on the IRS to impose new rules that could limit certain political activity by "social welfare" non-profit groups. The ad features clips of a Civil Rights-era march, Suffragettes and an antiwar protest. It derides efforts by the IRS and Senate Democrats to impose new rules on these nonprofits, citing complaints by the ACLU. "Tell Sen. Franken to stop attacking free speech," the narrator says.

"This is ridiculous--Sen. Franken is one of the most vigorous defenders of free speech in the Senate," said a Franken spokeswoman. But the homepage of Franken's campaign website asks people to sign a petition endorsing a constitutional amendment that would upend the 2010 Supreme Court ruling that gave corporations more leeway to influence elections.

Al Franken: Block merger of biggest & 2nd biggest cable providers

After a failed attempt to block the Comcast-NBC-Universal merger, Franken has emerged as the leading congressional opponent of Comcast's $45 billion bid to take over Time-Warner Cable, a merger that would unite the nation's two biggest cable companies. He was the only lawmaker to explicitly say he wanted the merger blocked.

"We've got the biggest cable provider and biggest Internet provider, in Comcast, buying the 2nd-biggest cable provider and 3rd-largest Internet provider, and I'm very worried that will create a company that's too big," Franken said. "They're going to use their position to leverage higher cable prices and to dictate a lot of things that will make for fewer choices, and their service will be even worse."

Heather Johnson: Don't use eminent domain for private companies' benefit

A: Here in Minnesota, Enbridge wanted to lay an oil line. I testified yesterday at a hearing about whether the public utilities commission would examine alternate routes and systems for their application for the permit. I spoke about how part of their plan would cross indigenous lands provided in the 1855 treaty. I supported the land rights, and spoke about having the route exclude indigenous territories and other land where there are land use rights. Government should not use eminent domain for private companies' benefit. Businesses have a right to do business, but they should take the risk and responsibilities for how their business functions, the impact on the environment and the people around them. They should legally acquire the land in voluntary exchanges. If they are using public lands they should contract with the government.

Jason Lewis: Voted to roll back parts of Dodd-Frank

Jason Lewis: Loosen. Voted to roll back parts of Dodd-Frank and to repeal guidance to help consumers prevent markups on auto loans.

Tina Smith: Tighten. Signed letter to Senate leadership opposing rule change that would hurt access to credit by communities of color.

Karin Housley: Small business needs lower taxes, less government to survive

Karin Housley: De-regulation could be new stimulus to help small business

Mark Dayton: Lowest business tax states accompanied by lowest incomes

Mark Dayton: Eliminate corporate tax loopholes & tax relief for families

"Our tax bill provides relief to more than 450,000 Minnesotans. It provides assistance to those who need it most, while protecting the progress we have made to stabilize our state's finances," said Governor Dayton.

The tax cuts would make high-quality child care more affordable for Minnesota families, and cut property taxes for Minnesota farmers who have seen their property taxes increase 114 percent in the last decade.

Tim Pawlenty: Reduce business tax from 3rd highest corporate tax rate

We have the 3rd highest corporate tax rate in the developed world. Our personal income and sales tax rates are among the highest in the country, and Minnesota offers no preferential rate for capital gains. We need to face the facts: Minnesota's tax system is costing us jobs, and our tax code needs to change to meet the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Tina Smith: Eliminate corporate tax loopholes & tax relief for families

"Minnesota's farm communities are the backbone of Minnesota's economy. The last several years have been challenging for many Minnesota farmers, who are facing low commodity prices and rising property taxes," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "Our tax bill would provide significant relief to farmers by buying down the cost of local school district levies. I urge the Legislature to provide this needed tax relief for Minnesota farm families."

Tina Smith: Opposes reduction of CFPB funding

Smith: No. Signed letter to US Senate leadership opposing reduction of CFPB funding.

Housley: No position found.

Tom Emmer: Family business is Viking Forest Products

Tim Walz: A place for both large corporate farms and family farms

Walz went after Jensen as well, accusing him of seeing only negative statistics and neglecting the positive numbers. "If you're rooting against Minnesota being at the top, having the strongest state finances and the lowest unemployment … if you're rooting to see failure, that's what you're going to get," Walz said. "But it's not the job we're applying for."

Walz blamed Jensen's no-new-spending rhetoric for the failure of the budget and tax compromise at the Legislature and noted that tax cuts and spending on public schools and public safety were victims of the impasse.

Jeff Johnson 2018: Help small business and embrace all present and future jobs