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February 21, 2014

Last summer, we notified you of the Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program. Now comes part two of the Public Subsidy Program — the $5 income tax check-off.

Unfortunately, it’s that time of year when we all have to deal with income taxes. But this year, there’s a bright spot. You’ll see something you haven’t seen before. Due to our newly officially-recognized status, “Libertarian” is now one of the options for the $5 political check-off. Note that your accountant or tax-service will NOT automatically ask you about it, so you must tell them specifically. This won’t affect your payment or refund, so when you file, please keep us in mind. 90% of this money goes directly to our Libertarian candidates.

As we have said, we would do away with these subsidy programs.  After all, they’re just political welfare. But the two big parties have written the law to their advantage — who would have guessed! They have forced you to make a decision: either the state’s general fund gets your money, or a political party. Of course, we would support a third option: you get the money back!  But at this point, it is your decision give to a party, or not.

Minnesota residents are again eligible for the PCR program in 2014. Details on how to participate are here. It’s simple and costs you nothing but the time to fill out the PCR form and mail.

That said, using both the PCR and $5 tax check-off programs are options which can assist us until they are gone. Not partaking in the programs would proverbially be like us voluntarily cutting off a leg — and handicapping ourselves is not a recipe for success.

As LPMN member Tylor Slinger advised Libertarians in Political Aikido: Turning the state on the state, “Like the martial arts style of Aikido, we can start to redirect the force and might of the entrenched political apparatchik. To be a serious player in politics, we would be wise to use the options at our disposal. With every new legislative blow to free markets and prosperous lives, we will be there to show that today’s problems require more finesse than the medieval sword that is government.”

It’s time to heed those words by checking “Libertarian”.

Andy Burns
LPMN Executive Director

Concerned about the expansion of government control and the erosion of individual liberty? Please consider joining and becoming active with the Libertarian Party of Minnesota. Libertarians support liberty on all issues, all the time! Libertarianism is a philosophical and political movement to promote personal freedom, strong civil liberties, a genuinely free marketplace, and peace.