This resolution, introduced in the Minnesota Senate as S.F. No. 2517, calls on the United States Congress to propose a Constitutional amendment, known as the For Our Freedom Amendment, which would clarify that states and Congress have the authority to set reasonable limits on campaign spending.

Key Points of the Resolution:

1. Political Power and Self-Governance:

   • The Minnesota Constitution recognizes that political power is inherent in the people, who have the right to modify or reform government as necessary.
     
   • The resolution argues that Minnesota has a sovereign interest in ensuring fair elections, protecting free speech for all individuals, preventing corruption, and maintaining political equality.

2. The Need for Campaign Finance Limits:

   • The Minnesota Constitution already acknowledges the public interest in campaign spending limits and disclosure of contributions.
     
   • The resolution states that reasonable limits on election spending are necessary to:
     • Ensure all citizens have a voice in elections.
       
     • Protect elections from foreign influence and wealthy special interests.
       
     • Ensure elected officials represent their constituents, rather than powerful donors.

3. Concerns About Supreme Court Precedents:

   • Over the past five decades, the U.S. Supreme Court has increasingly ruled that unlimited election spending is equivalent to free speech under the First Amendment.
     
   • The resolution argues that this interpretation harms democracy by:
     • Drowning out ordinary citizens' voices in elections.
       
     • Weakening state self-governance and federalism.
       
     • Increasing the risk of systemic corruption.

4. Proposal for a Constitutional Amendment:

   • The resolution urges Congress to propose and send to the states an amendment that would:
     
     • Clearly state that Congress and the states have the power to limit election spending.
       
     • Allow lawmakers to distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities (e.g., corporations, unions, artificial intelligences).
       

5. Next Steps:

   • If passed, the Minnesota Secretary of State would send authenticated copies of this resolution to Congressional leadership and Minnesota’s Congressional delegation, urging action on the amendment.

Purpose of the Resolution:

This resolution is a formal request from Minnesota’s Legislature to Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution to allow for stricter campaign finance regulations, counteract court decisions like Citizens United v. FEC, and reduce the influence of money in politics.