Your Last Chance to Contribute $50 to Your Favorite Politician For Free

Minnesota law encourages donations to Minnesotan political parties, candidates for state office, or candidates for the Minnesota Legislature by giving taxpayers their first $50 of their contribution back.

But the law is set to change on July 1, as one of Governor Tim Pawlenty's measures to cut the state's $2.7 billion budget deficit.

Only one refund is issued per year, $50 for single people and and $100 for married couples. Anyone eligible to vote in Minnesota is eligible for the refund. So a $50 contribution could be a free gift to your politician or political party of choice, as long as you make a donation before June 30.

• More information, and how to claim a refund of a political contribution