About the FACTS Coalition

The FACTS Coalition (“Facing Alcohol Costs to Society”) was founded to educate the public about the disparity between the costs of alcohol-related problems and the relatively small amount of revenue collected by Minnesota.  Nearly 20 organizations have come together to form the FACTS Coalition, including organizations that represent public safety, law enforcement, public health, and local government. The lead organization, Minnesota Join Together, is a citizen’s network that has worked on reducing underage drinking for the past nine years.

What does the FACTS Coalition support?

• Increasing the MN alcohol excise tax by at least a nickel per drink.

• Dedicating the revenues to public safety, law enforcement, treatment, detox services, and the prevention of alcohol problems.

How is the FACTS Coalition organized?

The FACTS Coalition is governed by a Steering Committee and carries out its functions through the following work teams:

• Legislative

• Communications

• Community Relations

• Development

How is the FACTS Coalition funded?

The FACTS Coalition is a voluntary citizen’s network that relies on donations from member organizations and individuals.  The FACTS Coalition is thankful for the administrative support received from Ewald Consulting.

History of the FACTS Coalition

2001: Minnesota Join Together began advocating for an increase in the alcohol excise tax. With the support of MARRCH and MADD, the proposal passed the Senate Crime Prevention Committee, but did not advance further.

2004: the coalition expanded to seventeen organizations and was renamed the FACTS Coalition.

2005: the FACTS Coalition worked with Senators Murphy, Marty, and Ranum to press for an increase in the alcohol excise tax. As a result, the Senate Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee passed a penny-a-drink provision. Unfortunately, the Senate Tax Committee stripped this provision from the Public Safety Omnibus bill.

2006:  In 2006, the FACTS Coalition will continue to press for an alcohol excise tax increase.