February 6, 2017 •
South Dakota Governor Signs Bill to Repeal Initiated Measure 22
On Thursday, February 2, Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed House Bill 1069 into law. The passage of this bill repeals Initiated Measure 22, which was the voter approved ethics and campaign finance overhaul that established various lobbying and campaign finance restrictions. […]
On Thursday, February 2, Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed House Bill 1069 into law.
The passage of this bill repeals Initiated Measure 22, which was the voter approved ethics and campaign finance overhaul that established various lobbying and campaign finance restrictions.
Initiated Measure 22 was not in effect since it was enjoined by a circuit court on December 8, 2016.
February 6, 2017 •
FEC Adjusts Lobbyist Bundling Disclosure Threshold Amount
On Friday, February 3, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and the federal lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold. The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold has increased for 2017 from $17,600 to $17,900. This threshold amount […]
On Friday, February 3, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and the federal lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold.
The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold has increased for 2017 from $17,600 to $17,900. This threshold amount is adjusted annually. Federal law requires authorized committees of federal candidates, leadership political action committees (PACs), and political party committees to disclose contributions bundled by lobbyists and lobbyists’ PACs.
Additionally, the FEC published its adjusted Coordinated Party Expenditure Limits for political parties for 2017.
February 6, 2017 •
Monday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance “Trump Vows to ‘Totally Destroy’ Restrictions on Churches’ Support of Candidates” by John Wagner and Julie Zauzmer for The Washington Post “State Democrats Say Federal Campaign Finance Probe Has Ended” by Susan Haigh (Associated Press) for The Washington […]
Campaign Finance
“Trump Vows to ‘Totally Destroy’ Restrictions on Churches’ Support of Candidates” by John Wagner and Julie Zauzmer for The Washington Post
“State Democrats Say Federal Campaign Finance Probe Has Ended” by Susan Haigh (Associated Press) for The Washington Times
Ethics
New York: “JCOPE Staff Lays Out Legislative Wish List” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Pennsylvania: “Council Members Regularly Missing Mandated Ethics Training” by Tricia Nadolny for Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania: “Farnese Acquitted in Federal Fraud Trial” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
South Dakota: “Daugaard Signs Ethics Repeal Bill” by John Axtell (Associated Press) for KCSR
Legislative Issues
Washington: “State Lawmaker Defends Dual Jobs in Senate, Trump Administration” by Walker Orenstein for Tacoma News Tribune
Lobbying
“Marijuana Lobby Goes Mainstream” by Reid Wilson for The Hill
Nebraska: “Ernie Chambers Continues Effort to Stop Lobbyist Meals for Senators” by Zach Pluhacek for Lincoln Journal Star
Tennessee: “Analysis: The power of Tennessee lobbyists” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
A bill was filed this week seeking to eliminate the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices and split the duties between the attorney general and the secretary of state. Under House Bill 340, the secretary of state would be […]
A bill was filed this week seeking to eliminate the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices and split the duties between the attorney general and the secretary of state. Under House Bill 340, the secretary of state would be responsible for duties related to the filing of ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance reports while the attorney general would assume control of investigative and enforcement duties.
The Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices, which was established in 1975, monitors, enforces, and investigates lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance and is appointed by the governor.
This comes as the current commissioner, Jonathon Motl, is preparing to exit his position pending confirmation of a successor. Motl was appointed three years into a six-year term expiring on January 1 but remained in office awaiting a court decision on the ending date of his term, much to the chagrin of Republican lawmakers who have accused Motl of partisan bias.
The bill’s sponsor believes the office holds too much power for a single person and splitting the authority between agencies will benefit the State’s ethics supervision.
February 3, 2017 •
Nebraska Senator Renews Effort to Ban Lobbyist-Provided Meals in the Capitol
Reviving his concern from last year’s legislative session, Sen. Ernie Chambers introduced a bill to prevent lawmakers from accepting meals from lobbyists in the Capitol. Legislative Bill 445 is similar to a proposal Sen. Chambers sponsored last year, but it […]
Reviving his concern from last year’s legislative session, Sen. Ernie Chambers introduced a bill to prevent lawmakers from accepting meals from lobbyists in the Capitol. Legislative Bill 445 is similar to a proposal Sen. Chambers sponsored last year, but it never made it to a vote. The bill specifically aims to prohibit meals served to lawmakers at the end of the session, when last minute decisions are made.
Lobbyists typically pool their money and provide large, buffet-style meals for legislators as they work into the night. Sen. Chambers said he is concerned the meals create the appearance improper influence.
February 3, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – February 3, 2017
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!
February 3, 2017 •
We’re Going Red Today!
Today, the staff of State and Federal Communications are wearing red in honor of National Wear Red Day. We want to do our part to raise awareness for the cause of heart health. State and Federal Communications is proud to […]
Today, the staff of State and Federal Communications are wearing red in honor of National Wear Red Day. We want to do our part to raise awareness for the cause of heart health.
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of a number of programs with the Akron Heart Association.
February 2, 2017 •
Let the Fundraising Begin: FEC Publishes Contribution Limits for 2017-2018 Election Cycle
Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published the 2017-2018 election cycle contribution limits, which have been indexed for inflation. As required by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, the FEC must adjust certain contribution limits every two years. The […]
Today, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published the 2017-2018 election cycle contribution limits, which have been indexed for inflation. As required by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, the FEC must adjust certain contribution limits every two years.
The individual and nonmulticandidate PAC contribution limit to federal candidates will remain at $2,700 for both primary and general elections, allowing for a total of $5,400 for a federal candidate. The limits on contributions by individuals to national party committees has increased from $33,400 to $33,900 per calendar year.
Individuals may now contribute $101,700 per calendar year to committees of a national political party for presidential nominating conventions, to committees of a national political party for preparation for and the conduct of election recounts and contests and other legal proceedings, and to committees of a national political party for the construction, purchase, renovation, operation, and furnishing of one or more buildings for party headquarters.
The new limits are effective retroactively to January 1, 2017.
February 2, 2017 •
Montana Commissioner to Remain in Office Until Successor is Confirmed
The Montana Supreme Court ruled Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathon Motl’s term has expired, but he must remain in office until a replacement is found. A lawsuit was filed in December 2016 claiming Motl, who was appointed to the position […]
The Montana Supreme Court ruled Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathon Motl’s term has expired, but he must remain in office until a replacement is found. A lawsuit was filed in December 2016 claiming Motl, who was appointed to the position in 2013 by Gov. Steve Bullock, was entitled to a full six-year term ending in 2019.
The Court stated they did not want to interfere with Bullock’s appointment and later confirmation by the Senate. The order went on to say Motl must remain in office until the Senate confirms a successor.
State Republicans are pleased with the quick ruling, providing an opportunity to confirm a new commissioner during the current 2017 legislative session. Motl’s chief legal counsel, Jamie MacNaughton, and former Billings city commissioner Michael Larson have already submitted applications to be considered as Motl’s replacement.
February 2, 2017 •
South Dakota Senate Sends Ethics Repeal Bill to Governor
The South Dakota Senate voted 27-8 to approve House Bill 1069, advancing the bill to repeal Initiated Measure 22 to Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s desk. Initiated Measure 22 is the voter approved ethics and campaign finance overhaul that established various lobbying […]
The South Dakota Senate voted 27-8 to approve House Bill 1069, advancing the bill to repeal Initiated Measure 22 to Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s desk.
Initiated Measure 22 is the voter approved ethics and campaign finance overhaul that established various lobbying and campaign finance restrictions.
Gov. Daugaard has previously stated his support for the repeal bill and is expected to sign the bill into law.
February 2, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Arizona: “How The Wrong Letterhead Exposed Phoenix’s Toothless Lobbying Rules” by Rob O’Dell and Dustin Gardner for Arizona Republic Arkansas: “Bill Would Let Foreigners Foot Bill for Some Lawmaker Travel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online Campaign Finance South […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “How The Wrong Letterhead Exposed Phoenix’s Toothless Lobbying Rules” by Rob O’Dell and Dustin Gardner for Arizona Republic
Arkansas: “Bill Would Let Foreigners Foot Bill for Some Lawmaker Travel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Campaign Finance
South Carolina: “Upstate’s Judge’s Race Raises Judicial Ethics Question” by John Monk for The State
Washington: “Seattle Candidates Already on Hunt for ‘Democracy Vouchers’” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
Ethics
“Trump Aide’s Deal with Chinese Firm Raises Fear of Tangled Interests” by Sharon LaFraniere, Michael Forsythe, and Alexandra Stevenson for New York Times
“Resistance from Within: Federal workers push back against Trump” by Juliet Eilperin, Lisa Rein, and Marc Fisher for Washington Post
Montana: “Campaign Regulator Can Remain Until Replacement Is Confirmed” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for McClatchyDC.com
South Dakota: “South Dakota Senate Sends Ethics Law Repeal to Governor” by James Nord for Associated Press
West Virginia: “Potential Conflicts Also Issue for New WV Commerce Secretary” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Gazette
Elections
“Trump Rattles Statehouse Order” by David Siders for Politico
Procurement
“White House Says LGBT Protections for Federal Workers Will Remain” by Juliet Eilperin and Sandhya Somashekhar for Washington Post
Tech and Social Media
“Fatigued by the News? Experts Suggest How to Adjust Your Media Diet” by Christopher Mele for New York Times
February 1, 2017 •
It Happens – Every Four Years
The inauguration of the 45th President of the United States was held on Friday, January 20, promptly at noon as stated in the US Constitution. Regardless of your thought about the person, the event happened. State and Federal Communications took […]
The inauguration of the 45th President of the United States was held on Friday, January 20, promptly at noon as stated in the US Constitution. Regardless of your thought about the person, the event happened.
State and Federal Communications took the opportunity to bring clients, colleagues, and friends together at our Inaugural Appreciation Party. It was a great time to watch the Inauguration on any one of 20 televisions inside the Penn Quarter Sports Tavern. Thanks to Mike Brand, owner, and John Scheer, general manager, who helped transform a sports bar into a totally All-American News Pub for us to keep track of activities all throughout the day.
One group of attendees were the students from Kent State University Washington Program in National Issues studying in DC this semester. I am a big fan of the program because I was assistant director of it when I was a graduate student in 1982. These students had a great time—who wouldn’t with all-you-can-eat/drink all day—but more important it was an opportunity to speak to them.
I do remember college, and I remember college at Kent State University where there are a lot of liberal students. I emphasized I was not having a celebration of our new President, but the process and no better place to be but in DC to learn about working with people on the other side of the aisle.
And, that my friends, is the point of this column. I believe it is so important to help students understand there are “other sides” of opinions and thoughts and there are tons of “other sides” for them to learn in Washington, DC. We do not have to agree 100 percent of the time. We do not even have to be friends. We do need to be collegiate. Remember, Republican President Ronald Reagan ate dinner with Democrat Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill every Sunday.
Sigh…those were good times.
It has been a busy month. The future will be very interesting.
Thank you.
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz
February 1, 2017 •
Alaska Lawmakers to Consider Additional Income Tax on Lobbyists
House Bill 91 was introduced yesterday to require Alaska’s legislative lobbyists to pay a 2.5 percent tax on income earned from lobbying activities. As introduced, the proceeds from the tax would be appropriated to the Alaska Public Offices Commission, which […]
House Bill 91 was introduced yesterday to require Alaska’s legislative lobbyists to pay a 2.5 percent tax on income earned from lobbying activities.
As introduced, the proceeds from the tax would be appropriated to the Alaska Public Offices Commission, which is the state agency tasked with regulating lobbyists. If passed, House Bill 91 would take effect January 1, 2018.
January 31, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Trump’s Trade Pick May Face Hurdle Over Past Lobbying for Brazil” by Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com “Trump Ethics Rules Curtail Lobbyists, While Also Loosening Some Obama Restrictions” by Matea Gold for Washington Post Tennessee: “In Tennessee, Lobbyists’ Employers Face […]
Lobbying
“Trump’s Trade Pick May Face Hurdle Over Past Lobbying for Brazil” by Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com
“Trump Ethics Rules Curtail Lobbyists, While Also Loosening Some Obama Restrictions” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Tennessee: “In Tennessee, Lobbyists’ Employers Face Few Disclosure Rules” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
Campaign Finance
“Trudeau to End Controversial Cash-for-Access Fundraisers” by Robin Fife and Steven Chase for The Globe and Mail
Ethics
“Countries Where Trump Does Business Are Not Hit by New Travel Restrictions” by Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post
Missouri: “On the Trail: Greitens banking on lawmakers to pass tighter ethics rules” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio
Oklahoma: “Evidence Shows EMSA Had Contractor Make Political Donations, Government Says” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman
Elections
“Koch Network Could Serve as Potent Resistance in Trump Era” by Matea Gold and James Hohmann for Washington Post
“As Democrats Take to the Streets, Lawmakers Rush to Keep Up” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
