Pentair – Political Contributions (2011)
SUPPORTING STATEMENT The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in January 2010 legalized the use corporate funds to pay for ads supporting or opposing candidates directly and to contribute to state or local elections. In July 2010 Pentair donated $100,000 to MN Forward, a group created in the wake of the Supreme Court decision to collect donations by corporations (Wall Street Journal (8/7/10) to influence the outcome of 2010 state races. MN Forward focuses on economic policies and appears to ignore a candidate’s other positions in making endorsements and contributions. MN Forward has made campaign contributions to a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate …
State Street – Political Contributions (2010)
RESOLVED The shareholders of State Street (“Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semi-annually, disclosing the Company’s: Policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures (both direct and indirect) made with corporate funds. Monetary and non-monetary contributions and expenditures (direct and indirect) used to participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, and used in any attempt to influence the general public, or segments thereof, with respect to elections or referenda. The report shall include: An accounting through an itemized report that includes the identity of the …
3M – Political Contributions (2011)
SUPPORTING STATEMENT The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in January 2010 legalized the use of corporate funds to directly pay for ads supporting or opposing candidates and to contribute to state or local elections. 3M contributed at least $1.4 million in corporate funds since the 2002 election cycle. (CQ: http://moneyline.cq.com/pml/home.do and National Institute on Money in State Politics: http://www.followthemoney.org/index.phtml.) In September 2010, 3M donated $100,000 to MN Forward, a group created in the wake of the Supreme Court decision to collect donations by corporations (Wall Street Journal (8/7/10) to influence the outcome of 2010 state races. MN Forward focuses on …
IBM – Political Contributions (2011)
WHEREAS Political spending by companies is increasingly controversial, heightened by the recent Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which allows companies to make independent expenditures in favor of or in opposition to, a candidate’s election campaign. Corporate expenditures supporting a contentious 2010 ballot initiative suspending California’s Global Warming Solutions Act added fuel to the controversy, as did Target and Best Buy contributions for a controversial candidate for Governor in Minnesota. Over the last five years, corporate political spending has become a major investor concern. Investors asked hundreds of companies to disclose their policies establish board oversight and disclose all direct and …
Target – Political Contributions (2011)
WHEREAS The Target web site appears to have a thoughtful, transparent process for reviewing political spending, with its disclosure of oversight and 2008 contributions over $5,000. The web site states “before any contribution is made, we determine that it is consistent with our business interests and under the circumstances, is an appropriate means of advancing our public policy position.” However, in July 2010 Target donated $150,000 to a political group, Minnesota Forward, which actively supports a candidate for Governor who is a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, as well as full parenting rights for same-sex couples. Ironically, Target has been …
Best Buy – Political Contributions (2011)
WHEREAS The Best Buy web site appears to have a thoughtful, transparent process for reviewing political spending. The web site states that Best Buy will consider, among other criteria for contributing corporate funds to candidates and issue campaigns, “alignment with Best Buy’s core values.” However, in July 2010 Best Buy donated $100,000 to a political group, Minnesota Forward, which actively supports a gubernatorial candidate who is a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, as well as full parenting rights for same-sex couples. Best Buy has been known for forward-looking policies and benefits for gay and lesbian employees, having an explicit policy …
State Street – Political Contributions Report (2010)
RESOLVED The shareholders of State Street (“Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semi-annually, disclosing the Company’s: 1. Policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures (both direct and indirect) made with corporate funds. 2. Monetary and non-monetary political contributions and expenditures not deductible under section 162 (e)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, including but not limited to contributions to or expenditures on behalf of political candidates, political parties, political committees and other political entities organized and operating under 26 USC Sec. 527 of the Internal Revenue Code and any portion of any dues or similar payments …
Halliburton – Report on Political Contribution (2010)
RESOLVED The shareholders of Halliburton (“Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semi-annually, disclosing the Company’s: Policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures (both direct and indirect) made with corporate funds; Monetary and non-monetary political contributions and expenditures not deductible under section 162 (e)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, including but not limited to contributions to or expenditures on behalf of political candidates, political parties, political committees and other political entities organized and operating under 26 USC Sec. 527 of the Internal Revenue Code and any portion of any dues or similar payments made to any tax …
Ford Motor Company – Political Contributions (2010)
RESOLVED Shareholders of Ford Motor (“Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semi-annually, disclosing the Company’s: Policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures (both direct and indirect) made with corporate funds. Monetary and non-monetary political contributions and expenditures not deductible under section 162 (e)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, including but not limited to contributions to or expenditures on behalf of political candidates, political parties, political committees and other political entities organized and operating under 26 USC Sec. 527 of the Internal Revenue Code and any portion of any dues or similar payments made to any …
Wal-Mart Stores – Report on the Employee Free Choice Act Lobbying Activities and Expenses (2009)
Resolved Shareholders of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (the “Company”) request that the Board of Directors prepare a report by September 30, 2009, at reasonable expense and omitting proprietary information, describing the Company’s lobbying activities and expenses relating to the Employee Free Choice Act, together with a description of the lobbying activities and expenses of any entity supported by the Company, during the 110th Congress. Supporting Statement The Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800) would modernize the National Labor Relations Act by streamlining the process through which employees form, join, or assist labor organizations as well as providing for mandatory injunctions for …
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