Minnesota gubernatorial candidate to improve state disclosure laws

Introduction

Citing Minnesota’s F grade from the Center for Public Integrity on legislative financial disclosure laws, gubernatorial candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher released a summary of her campaign contributions and a list of her personal financial interests. In the Center’s study, Minnesota ranks 40th out of all 50 states. But proposals suggested by Kelliher could catapult the state into the top 10.

According to the state’s current statement of economic interest, filers are required to list outside occupations, directorships, investments, and real property information. But Minnesota loses points for not requiring many details, such as descriptions of employers or amounts of salaries or interests. Filers also do not have to disclose any information about spouses.

But Kelliher plans to improve Minnesota’s position. On Sunday, she proposed a new law to require income ranges for filers and their spouses. According to the Center’s States of Disclosure survey, adding an amount requirement would boost the state’s score 12 points to 65.5, or a D grade. Including both value amounts and spousal information could potentially give the state a B grade, moving it to 7th place with 83.5 points.

Kelliher followed up her proposal by releasing a copy of her personal finances, which does include spouse information, job descriptions, and value ranges.

Although the Center’s project only ranks legislative requirements, the same financial disclosure law applies to both executive and legislative branch in Minnesota.