So what happens when corporations advocate for policies that their customers oppose?Ĭustomers can often choose another business to patronize if they disagree with a company's political speech. Courts have granted corporations similar privileges to lobby policymakers in the interest of their shareholders and owners. to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.' Within this last phrase lies the freedom to call, write or otherwise communicate with government officials about one's interests.
The First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting freedom of speech and protects 'the right of the people. Through your monthly bills, you are forced to pay for their lobbying activities anyway. Since 2009, Minnesota's three for-profit electric corporations - Xcel Energy, Otter Tail Energy and Minnesota Power - have spent $33 million on lobbying, according to data released Thursday by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.Īnd what if you don't agree with the positions these utilities are lobbying for - like Xcel Energy's attempt to make customers pay for a utility-owned electric vehicle charging network? Too bad. Opinion editor's note : Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day.
