[This post is the fourth in a series examining the activity of the St. Paul-based political charity TakeAction Minnesota. Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the series provide some necessary background to those new to the story.]
In Part 3 of the series, I traced some of the money flowing into the TakeAction non-profit organization(s) from out-of-state sources. This Part 4 will serve as an introduction to TakeAction’s lobbying operation.
Noted in Part 3, the mega-philanthropy Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) of Princeton, New Jersey (think Johnson’s “no more tears’ baby shampoo), has donated $1.6 million to TakeAction’s 501(c)(3) charitable Education Fund unit since 2008. $1.4 million of this amount was earmarked to support TakeAction’s work in state healthcare policy.
TakeAction was formed in 2005 through a merger between two groups, MAPA—the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action—and Progressive Minnesota. According to records at the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board website, TakeAction (Association No. 5349) registered its first lobbyists in 2006. Six lobbyists are currently registered to the group, with TakeAction Associate Director Elizabeth Doyle listed as the lead. The group lists 11 subject areas with the Board, but it appears that healthcare is the area where they are making the biggest lobbying splash.
After the 2012 election, local news website MinnPost previewed the 2013 legislative session in an article headlined "
“TakeAction’s tentative plans include pushing for changes in the voting rules for felons, expanding early voting—as some have discussed here—and modernizing voter registration. They also plan to tackle such issues as Minnesota
Indeed, TakeAction’s close involvement on the health insurance issue began much earlier, in 2011. On Halloween 2011, Governor Mark Dayton signed Executive Order 11-30. At that time, the Governor formed two task forces, a Health Care Reform Task Force and a Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Advisory Task Force. Named to the Reform Task Force was a board member of the Minnesota Nurses Association, itself a member organization of TakeAction Minnesota
Who knows, perhaps this insider access is what the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation was anticipating in its September 14, 2011, grant to TakeAction. On its website, RWJF’s description of the $250,000 grant No. 69433 reads in part,
“TakeAction Minnesota
Similar language was included in RWJF’s description of its January 17, 2011, grant for $150,000 (No. 68648),
“Take Action Minnesota Education Fund has ensured that no RWJF funds will be used to support any lobbying activities that they might conduct in the course of their advocacy efforts surrounding ACA implementation.”
The project director for that grant? Elizabeth Doyle. In fact, Elizabeth Doyle—who first registered as a TakeAction lobbyist on January 23, 2007—is listed as a Project Director for all five RWJF grants to TakeAction, dating back to January 22, 2008.
Ms. Doyle has played an active role in the Healthcare Exchange debate taking place at the state capitol. The Exchange bill moved through its first committee last week, with MinnPost reporting on the controversy surrounding the exchange’s proposed governance structure. MinnPost reports,
“Progressive groups are pleased with the consumer-focused governance. Liz Doyle, associate director at TakeAction Minnesota
Not all were as pleased. MinnPost also reported,
“Republicans also criticized the board for having too much authority, and business groups said there wasn’t room for meaningful public input in its decision-making—even after [Sen. Tony] Lourey amended the legislation. ‘It’s just kind of this behemoth out there that can run our health care system with no accountability back to the people,’ [Sen. Dave] Thompson added. ‘Very disturbing.’ ”[3]
Recall that under RWJF grant No. 69433, TakeAction was tasked with
“creating a robust, consumer-friendly Exchange. TakeAction intends to: (1) ensure that consumers are fully represented in Exchange and other ACA-related decision making and policy making bodies; and (2) ensure that communities that have the most to gain under the coverage provisions of the ACA have full information about the benefits available to them, as well as opportunities to shape public policy related to those coverage provisions.”
Senator Thompson may not agree with TakeAction’s work, but it appears that RWJF is getting value for its money.
MinnPost also reported last week on TakeAction’s recent involvement in other aspects of the healthcare debate. On January 15, 2013, MinnPost reported on TakeAction’s concerns over the fate of the state’s existing MinnesotaCare program for insuring low income residents. Minnpost quotes both TakeAction’s Doyle and TakeAction board member Phillip Cryan.
It would appear that in 2013, TakeAction is off and running on both the health insurance exchange and MinnesotaCare issues. We will be watching this organization next for its contribution to the election law debate.
In Part 5 of this series, I begin my look at TakeAction's greatest triumph, defeating the 2012 Voter ID amendment.
[1] Nord, James. "Minnesota
[2] Nord, James. “Minnesota
[3] Ibid.
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