March 6, 2018 •
Oregon Legislature Adjourns
On March 3, the Oregon Legislature adjourned its biennial short session. Bills passed strengthen domestic violence laws, create a task force to study opioid addiction treatment barriers and implement a peer support program, require more transparency from prescription drug manufacturers, and eliminate a […]
On March 3, the Oregon Legislature adjourned its biennial short session.
Bills passed strengthen domestic violence laws, create a task force to study opioid addiction treatment barriers and implement a peer support program, require more transparency from prescription drug manufacturers, and eliminate a federal deduction for businesses on state tax returns.
Gov. Brown has 30 days to sign, veto, or let the bills become law without her signature.
February 16, 2018 •
New Mexico Legislature Adjourns
The New Mexico Legislature adjourned sine die on February 15. Bills that have passed both chambers include Senate Bill 50, which creates stricter contribution policies made via the internet by a credit card or a debit card to a candidate […]
The New Mexico Legislature adjourned sine die on February 15.
Bills that have passed both chambers include Senate Bill 50, which creates stricter contribution policies made via the internet by a credit card or a debit card to a candidate or PAC, and Senate Bill 67, which changes lobbying reports to also include the cumulative total of all individual expenditures of less than $100 made or incurred by the employer or lobbyist.
The governor has 20 days from adjournment to sign any bills passed by the Legislature, otherwise they are pocket vetoed.
February 7, 2018 •
Louisiana Special Session Likely
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has set Friday as a deadline to determine whether a special session of the Legislature will be called to close a $1 billion fiscal cliff in the state’s budget expiring in July of this year. […]
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has set Friday as a deadline to determine whether a special session of the Legislature will be called to close a $1 billion fiscal cliff in the state’s budget expiring in July of this year.
The session would begin February 19 and adjourn before the regularly scheduled legislative session set to convene March 12. Legislators from both parties have been working to get close enough to a resolution for Gov. Edwards to call the special session.
A special session to remedy the budget shortfall could also be called in June if it does not happen by March.
February 7, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Washington: “Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law” by David Ingram for Reuters West Virginia: “Trial of Morgantown Coal Boss Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks” by Matt Harvey for WV News Ethics Federal: “House Prohibits […]
Campaign Finance
Washington: “Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law” by David Ingram for Reuters
West Virginia: “Trial of Morgantown Coal Boss Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks” by Matt Harvey for WV News
Ethics
Federal: “House Prohibits Sexual Relationships Between Lawmakers and Their Staffers” by Elise Viebeck and Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
Federal: “Document Shows GSA Employees Spending at the Trump Hotel in DC” by Cristina Alesci and Curt Devine for CNN
National: “Trump’s Lawyers Want Him to Refuse an Interview in Russia Inquiry” by Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
Alabama: “Alabama Legislature Could Consider Ethics Law Changes” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Arizona: “Lawmaker Wants ‘Explicit’ Photos from Sexual Harassment Investigation Kept Secret” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez for Arizona Republic
Florida: “This Casino Town Has a Dark Side – Conspiracies, ‘Corruption’ and Calls for a Takeover” by Martin Vasollo and Carli Teproff (Miami Herald) for Tampa Bay Times
Lobbying
Florida: “FBI Lays Out Case for Bribery, Mail Fraud in Search Warrant” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
February 5, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser Elections Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Elections
Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Federal: “Revolving Door Between Trump Pentagon, Contractors Spins Faster” by Sam Skolnik for Bloomberg Government
Arizona: “Arizona House Expels Yuma Rep. Don Shooter After Sexual-Harassment Findings” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
District of Columbia: “D.C. Will Not Reappoint Open Government Watchdog Who Ruled Against City” by Peter Jamison for Washington Post
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission OKs Tourism Contract with Justice’s Greenbrier Resort” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette-Mail
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbyist Accuses Legislator of Retaliation Over His Role in Sexual Harassment Case” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Redistricting
Pennsylvania: “Sen. Scarnati Refuses Pa. Supreme Court Order to Turn Over Map Data in Gerrymander Case” by Jonathan Lai for Philadelphia Inquirer
February 2, 2018 •
See Us In Person
State and Federal Communications has a busy February planned! See us at one of these events: February 5-8 Public Affairs Council Advocacy Conference, Orlando, Florida February 9 Akron Rubber Ducks Hot Stove Banquet with Roberto Alomar, Akron, Ohio February 13 […]
State and Federal Communications has a busy February planned! See us at one of these events:
February 5-8 Public Affairs Council Advocacy Conference, Orlando, Florida
February 9 Akron Rubber Ducks Hot Stove Banquet with Roberto Alomar, Akron, Ohio
February 13 15th Annual Friends of National Service Awards, Washington, D.C.
February 13 Akron Press Club State of the Schools with David James, Akron, Ohio
February 15 Akron PRSA–Annual Media Panel Discussion, Akron, Ohio
February 16 Akron Roundtable, Akron, Ohio
February 20 United Way Campaign Celebration, Akron, Ohio
February 23-26 National Governors Association–Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C.
February 23 WGR Governors Reception, Washington, D.C.
February 27 The Business Technology Forecast, Akron, Ohio
February 28 State of the City Address with Mayor Dan Horrigan, Akron, Ohio
January 9, 2018 •
Spokane, Washington City Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto of Campaign Finance Law
With a 6-1 vote, Spokane, Washington City Council overrode Mayor David Condon’s veto of a campaign finance reform ordinance. The new ordinance will cut in half the maximum allowable donation to candidates, from $1,000 to $500. Additional changes include a […]
With a 6-1 vote, Spokane, Washington City Council overrode Mayor David Condon’s veto of a campaign finance reform ordinance.
The new ordinance will cut in half the maximum allowable donation to candidates, from $1,000 to $500.
Additional changes include a pay-to-play provision to prohibit contributions from contractors, a restriction on when contributions may be received, and a requirement to disclose a committee’s top donors.
January 9, 2018 •
Ohio’s 12th Congressional District Special Election Dates Set
Gov. John Kasich announced the special primary election for Ohio’s 12th Congressional District will be held on May 8, and the special general election will be held on August 7. The seat is being vacated by Rep. Pat Tiberi, who […]
Gov. John Kasich announced the special primary election for Ohio’s 12th Congressional District will be held on May 8, and the special general election will be held on August 7.
The seat is being vacated by Rep. Pat Tiberi, who is resigning in order to lead the Ohio Business Roundtable.
The district is located north of Columbus.
January 4, 2018 •
See Us In Person
State and Federal Communications is hitting the ground running in 2018! Catch us at one of these events in January: January 8-12 PAC: Public Affairs Institute, Laguna Beach, CA January 9-13 PLEN Women in Public Policy, Washington, D.C. January 15 Akron […]
State and Federal Communications is hitting the ground running in 2018! Catch us at one of these events in January:
January 8-12 PAC: Public Affairs Institute, Laguna Beach, CA
January 9-13 PLEN Women in Public Policy, Washington, D.C.
January 15 Akron Urban League; Remember Dr. King’s Legacy Breakfast, Akron, OH
January 18 Akron Roundtable, Akron, OH
January 24 Akron Press Club, Akron, OH
January 24-27 US Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C.
January 26-27 NCSL Executive Committee Meeting, Charleston, S.C.
December 18, 2017 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance US Senate Hopeful Opens Coffers to Bitcoin Donations by Chuck Raasch for St. Louis Dispatch Ethics Has Ivanka Trump Repeatedly Broken Ethics Laws Since Joining The White House? By Cristina Silva for Newsweek Nevada Democrat, facing ethics probe, […]
Campaign Finance
US Senate Hopeful Opens Coffers to Bitcoin Donations by Chuck Raasch for St. Louis Dispatch
Ethics
Has Ivanka Trump Repeatedly Broken Ethics Laws Since Joining The White House? By Cristina Silva for Newsweek
Nevada Democrat, facing ethics probe, won’t seek re-election by The Associated Press for The New Jersey Herald
Canada: ‘Watch me, you’ll see,’ under fire, new ethics czar vows to let his record do the talking on Trudeau, Morneau investigations by Abbas Rana and Peter Mazereeuw for The Hill Times
Lobbying
With Billions at Stake in Tax Debate, Lobbyists Played Hardball by Kenneth Vogel and Jim Tankersley for The New York Times
Tax lobbying keeps on giving by Theodoric Meyer for Politico
Analysis: 2017 Has Been Nutty for K Street, but 2018 Could Be Insane by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Illinois: Lake Forest city manager: Nearly $200K spent lobbying without council OK by Daniel Dorfman for The Lake Forester
South Carolina: Lobbying is completely unregulated in most S.C. cities, leaving room for possible corruption by Abigail Darlington for The Post and Courier
December 11, 2017 •
Al Franken’s Senate Seat Up for Grabs in November 2018 Special Election
U.S. Sen. Al Franken announced he would step down amid sexual harassment allegations on December 7, 2018. Franken’s resignation allows Gov. Mark Dayton to make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy until the special election is held. Dayton has […]
U.S. Sen. Al Franken announced he would step down amid sexual harassment allegations on December 7, 2018.
Franken’s resignation allows Gov. Mark Dayton to make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy until the special election is held.
Dayton has yet to announce an appointment for Franken’s seat.
The special election will be held on November 6, 2018, and the special primary election will be held on August 14, 2018.
December 7, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Kentucky: Did Jeff Hoover Violate Campaign Finance Laws? It’s Unclear by Lisa Autry for WEKU New Jersey: N.J. power broker DiVincenzo settles campaign-finance case for $20,000 by Andrew Seidman for The Philadelphia Inquirer Ethics Arizona: Arizona, tax money […]
Campaign Finance
Kentucky: Did Jeff Hoover Violate Campaign Finance Laws? It’s Unclear by Lisa Autry for WEKU
New Jersey: N.J. power broker DiVincenzo settles campaign-finance case for $20,000 by Andrew Seidman for The Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Arizona: Arizona, tax money to be used for House ethics investigation by Howard Fischer for The Arizona Daily Sun
Florida: City introduces new ethics ordinances by Mariel Carbone for WCTV
Massachusetts: State Senate opens ethics inquiry into Stan Rosenberg by Joshua Miller for The Boston Globe
Vermont: Scott adds sexual harassment clause to code of ethics by Neal Goswami for WCAX
Lobbying
Lobbyists push GOP in last-minute scramble to save tax breaks by Theodoric Meyer, Aaron Lorenzo and Colin Wilhelm for Politico
Healthcare lobbyists not optimistic on changing GOP tax bill by Harris Meyer for Modern Healthcare
December 5, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance New York: Lawmaker’s business boosted by aide’s public campaign funds by Chris Bragg for The Albany Times Union Ohio: Columbus City Council May Clear Up Campaign Finance Disclosure Requirements by Adora Namigadde for WOSU Elections Georgia: More elections […]
Campaign Finance
New York: Lawmaker’s business boosted by aide’s public campaign funds by Chris Bragg for The Albany Times Union
Ohio: Columbus City Council May Clear Up Campaign Finance Disclosure Requirements by Adora Namigadde for WOSU
Elections
Georgia: More elections scheduled for January to fill state Senate and House seats by Mark Niesse for The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Minnesota: Special elections set to replace departed Minnesota lawmakers accused of sexual harassment by Erin Golden for The Minneapolis Star Tribune
Ethics
Obama’s Ethics Chief: Trump Lawyer’s Claim The President Can’t Face Obstruction Charge is “Baloney” by Harriet Sinclair for Newsweek
Conyers Won’t Seek Re-election in Wake of Harassment Claims, Relative Says by Yamiche Alcindor for The New York Times
Manafort Associate Has Russian Intelligence Ties, Court Document Says by Kenneth Vogel for The New York Times
Massachusetts: Rosenberg steps down as ethics probe begins by Christian Wade for The Salem News
Lobbying
Former Podesta, BGR lobbyists start new firm by Theodoric Meyer for Politico
Procurement
Govt flags new IT hardware procurement marketplace by Leon Spencer for ARN
December 4, 2017 •
West Virginia Governor Calls Special Session
On December 1, Gov. Jim Justice called a special session to convene on December 4 to consider legislation to authorize the sale of state road bonds. The special session coincides with the Legislature’s monthly interim meetings scheduled to begin on […]
On December 1, Gov. Jim Justice called a special session to convene on December 4 to consider legislation to authorize the sale of state road bonds.
The special session coincides with the Legislature’s monthly interim meetings scheduled to begin on December 3 and conclude on December 5.
Pictured: West Virginia Governor Jim Justice
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