Conclusions
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board allocated and disbursed approximately $3.5 million to eligible candidates for public office. However, it distributed $12,782 that it should have retained to offset administrative costs, resulting in an overpayment to each Senate or House of Representatives candidate of approximately $35. The board decided not to pursue recovery of the overpayment because of the administrative costs and complexities of seeking repayment, and since each candidate and political party received an equal benefit. We agreed with the board’s decision.
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board accurately reported payroll and per diem expenditures in the accounting records and, for the items tested, complied with applicable legal provisions and management’s authorization. The board limited access to the state’s personnel/payroll system to only the employees that required access to perform job responsibilities, and that access was limited to only the required areas.
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board accurately reported professional/technical expenditures in the accounting records and, for the items tested, complied with applicable legal provisions and management’s authorization.
Background
The Legislature established the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board in 1974 through the enactment of the Ethics of Government Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10A. The board, a six-member bipartisan citizen body, is responsible for administration of this Act. The Governor appoints board members for four-year staggered terms, and the Senate and House of Representatives must confirm the appointments by a three-fifths vote. The board elects its leadership annually, holds regular public meetings, and reports on its activities annually to the Governor, the Legislature, and the public. The board appointed Jeanne Olson as the executive director in July 1995.
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is the service and regulatory agency that:
