Money Talks - Make Yours Matter with a PCR
Written by David Thomsen, Treasurer SD49 DFL
Dear DFL49 Contributors,
At a couple of our recent meetings, the subject of Political Contribution Refunds (PCRs) came up, namely in reference to the relative dearth of them in this non-election year. But it dawned on me that perhaps some of us need more information about contributions; we simply talk about them all of the time wrongly assuming that everyone knows everything about them.
I won’t attempt to define PCRs or how to contribute here, because our “Donate” page on our website, already does an excellent job of that. I recommend reading that to learn the basics.
Instead, I’ve decided to share some information that might not be generally known about contributing to DFL49 and receiving a PCR.
Contributors do not have to contribute the full amounts of $75 per individual or $150 per married couple to qualify for a refund. Those amounts are only the limits of what they can receive as a refund in any given year. By the same token, contributors can donate larger amounts (without limit in fact) to DFL 49 than what they can be refunded. Any amount, whether more or less than the full refund, is acceptable to qualify for a refund, and always with genuine gratitude.
Contributors can divide up their contributions throughout the year. It is not necessary for them to give their contributions in one lump sum. I will furnish our donors an EP3 refund receipt each time they give, and they can subsequently include all receipts in their one annual application for a refund.
Valid EP3 refund receipts can be issued to contributors by multiple candidates and party units, even by opposing parties (but please don’t!). Contributors in turn are allowed to include all those receipts in only one single refund application per year, and they must send that in before April 15 the of the following year to get a refund.
Married spouses can make one joint contribution together, or they can contribute as two separate individuals and on two separate applications, as they choose.
Only eligible Minnesota voters are allowed to receive a PCR, although DFL49.org can receive non-PCR contributions from many other sources, including individuals who are not eligible to vote in Minnesota. There are some exceptions, however, as to who can contribute to us and we urge you to contact us if in doubt.
There are no limits on the amount DFL49 can accept from any contributor, whereas there are limited amounts any state candidate can accept. And we at DFL49 spend all the money we take in to help our local candidates get elected. It makes good sense to give to DFL49 generously to support our local DFL candidates.
I hope this information is useful to our contributors, and if anyone has any questions, always feel free to contact me at Treasurer@DFL49.org.
Thank you for your continued generosity,
David Thomsen
Treasurer, Senate District 49 DFL
