Freedom Foundation of Minnesota: New North Star State think tank to focus on legislature

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Minnesota has joined a select group of states fortunate enough to sustain more than one free market think tank. With a unique focus on the legislature, the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota opened its doors in 2007. One long-serving elected official encouraged the Foundation to be "the research arm for conservatives in the legislature - and hurry!"

The Foundation began with a solid board of directors: former Minnesota Congressman Vin Weber, managing partner of Clark & Weinstock's Washington, D.C. office; Brian Sullivan, CEO of SterilMed; Chris Georgacas, president of Goff & Howard; and Jack Meeks, president of the Walker Group.

Founding president and board member Annette Meeks offers 22 years of political and public policy experience. Her background includes serving as deputy chief of staff to former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, and president and CEO of a state-based think tank in Minneapolis.

In September, FFM was strengthened when Corey Miltimore was named president. Miltimore previously served as executive director of the state Republican Party; prior to that he was a political consultant and started two successful businesses in Chicago and the Twin Cities. Annette Meeks said, "Corey's entrepreneurial nature, business skills and knowledge of state history and the contemporary political environment made him an ideal first pick for the Freedom Foundation."

In its freshman year FFM has worked to set the stage for 2008, when the legislature reconvenes. Counted among its accomplishments will be: hosting in December the first annual conservative conference. This event will bring together leaders from throughout Minnesota to learn from current survey research and national conservative leaders.

On November 29, FFM hosts Amity Shlaes, author of The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression. As part of the Foundation's Continuing Legislators Education program, the goal is to educate policymakers about the biggest mistakes made during the Great Depression, including tax increases and toxic attacks on wealth creation and businesses.

The Foundation's first study will be released before the start of the 2008 legislative session. This report takes an in-depth look at runaway local government spending and details for Minnesota taxpayers what dubious enterprises their local taxes are spent upon.

FFM already enjoys considerable media exposure. In addition to being a regularly invited speaker before various groups, such as the League of Women Voters, every week Meeks advances individual liberty, markets, consumer choice and property rights on Minnesota's airwaves. She co-hosts the weekly radio program "The PoliChicks" and is a regular guest on "At Issue," an award-winning weekly public affairs television show.

Media exposure. Think tank experience. Political knowledge. Legislative demand for market-based solutions. With such building blocks in place, the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota is poised to make inroads for liberty in 2008.

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Freedom Foundation of Minnesota

Annette Meeks, Chairman

19 South First Street, B-1501

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

(612) 747-7941

www.freedomfoundationofminnesota.com

annettemeeks@gmail.com