December 14, 2016 •
Wednesday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Activists Brace for Fight Over Campaign Finance Law” by Alex Roarty for Roll Call Elections “Completed Wisconsin Recount Widens Donald Trump’s Lead by 131 Votes” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal Ethics “Aaron Schock Pleads Not Guilty […]
Campaign Finance
“Activists Brace for Fight Over Campaign Finance Law” by Alex Roarty for Roll Call
Elections
“Completed Wisconsin Recount Widens Donald Trump’s Lead by 131 Votes” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal
Ethics
“Aaron Schock Pleads Not Guilty To Slew of Federal Charges” by Aryn Braun for Roll Call
Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commissioner Resigns, Citing Dysfunction in New Watchdog Agency” by Mark Sommerhauser and Molly Beck for Wisconsin State Journal
Legislative Issues
“Budget Shortfalls Expected in the Most States Since Recession” by Liz Farmer for Governing
Lobbying
“K Street Eyes Outgoing Lawmakers for Jobs” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
“Exxon-Mobil: No Stranger to Lobbying the ‘Swamp’” by Lesley Clark (McClatchy) for The News & Observer
“Trump Transition Trade Staffer Defended NAFTA, was Chamber of Commerce Lobbyist” by Andrew Kaczynski and Chris Massie for CNN
Missouri: “Opinion: The Christmas Spirit of Lobbyists” by Phill Brooks for The Springfield Business Journal
Procurement
New York: “DiNapoli Proposes Procurement Reforms” by Matthew Hamilton for Times Union
December 13, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Campaign Finance Florida: “Dozens of Florida Political Committees Being Fueled by Millions in ‘Dark Money’” by Tia Mitchell for The Florida Times-Union Massachusetts: “Campaign Finance Law Shields Violators” by Stephanie Ebbert for The Boston Globe Elections “Senate and House Leaders […]
Campaign Finance
Florida: “Dozens of Florida Political Committees Being Fueled by Millions in ‘Dark Money’” by Tia Mitchell for The Florida Times-Union
Massachusetts: “Campaign Finance Law Shields Violators” by Stephanie Ebbert for The Boston Globe
Elections
“Senate and House Leaders Call for Inquiry of Russian Hacking in Election” by Jennifer Steinhauer for The New York Times
Ethics
“Trump Invites Trouble if He Keeps Businesses: Ethics Experts” BY Bernard Condon and Julie Bykowicz (Associated Press) for McClatchy DC
“Why All Billionaire Politicians Are Not Created Equal” by Ruairi Arriet-Kenna for Politico
Lobbying
“Insurers Step Up Lobbying With an Eye to Health-Law Changes” by Anna Wilde Mathews and Louise Radnofsky for The Wall Street Journal
“Big Law Lobbying Efforts Fail to Kill 9/11 Litigation Against Saudi Arabia” by Michael D. Goldhaber for The American Lawyer
Missouri: “Lobbyist Gifts to Missouri Legislators Have Dropped Significantly” by Walker Moskop for St. Louis Dispatch
Texas: “Edinburg Hires DC Lobbying Firm” by Naxiely Lopez for The Monitor
December 6, 2016 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our December calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello! December 6-9 NCSL Capitol Forum, Washington, DC December 6 SGAC Holiday Reception, Washington DC December 7 Ohio Holiday Reception, Washington, DC December 7 […]
Here is our December calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello!
December 6-9 NCSL Capitol Forum, Washington, DC
December 6 SGAC Holiday Reception, Washington DC
December 7 Ohio Holiday Reception, Washington, DC
December 7 WGR Holiday Party, Washington, DC
December 8 DDC Advocacy Holiday Party, Washington, DC
December 11-14 COGEL Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana
November 16, 2016 •
Florida’s Incoming Speaker Proposes Rules Changes for Lobbyists
Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran recently proposed sweeping changes to House Rules for when lawmakers return to Tallahassee next year. Corcoran is specifically taking aim at lobbyists and their interactions with House members. Some of the proposed changes include banning lobbyists from […]
Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran recently proposed sweeping changes to House Rules for when lawmakers return to Tallahassee next year. Corcoran is specifically taking aim at lobbyists and their interactions with House members.
Some of the proposed changes include banning lobbyists from texting lawmakers while in committee or in the House chamber, proposing a constitutional amendment banning elected officials from lobbying for six years after leaving office, and requiring lobbyists to disclose the bill or amendment they are trying to influence.
Newly elected lawmakers will be sworn in on November 22, 2016, and the 2017 regular session will begin on March 7.
November 15, 2016 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our November-December calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello! November 16-18 NABPAC Biennial Post-Election Conference, Breakers Palm Beach, Florida November 19-22 SGAC Leaders’ Policy Conference, Dana Point, California December 2 Advocacy Leaders Network […]
Here is our November-December calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello!
November 16-18 NABPAC Biennial Post-Election Conference, Breakers Palm Beach, Florida
November 19-22 SGAC Leaders’ Policy Conference, Dana Point, California
December 2 Advocacy Leaders Network – Benchmarking, Training, & Next-Level Advocacy, Washington, DC
December 6-9 NCSL Capitol Forum, Washington, DC
December 7 Ohio Holiday Reception, Washington, DC
December 7 WGR Holiday Party, Washington, DC
December 11-14 COGEL Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana
November 7, 2016 •
Montana’s Campaign Finance Disclosure Law Upheld
A federal judge has upheld the constitutionality of Montana’s campaign finance disclosure law. The 2015 Disclose Act, aimed at combating an increase in dark money spending, faced a constitutional challenge asserting the law interfered with the free speech of groups […]
A federal judge has upheld the constitutionality of Montana’s campaign finance disclosure law.
The 2015 Disclose Act, aimed at combating an increase in dark money spending, faced a constitutional challenge asserting the law interfered with the free speech of groups wanting to influence elections without revealing the source of their money or how it is spent. The law requires political committees in Montana to report spending and donors within 60 days of an election if the committee’s advertisements mention a political candidate.
In his opinion, Judge Dana Christensen, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, cited to the ruling in Citizens United. He referenced the notion that while disclosure requirements may burden the ability to speak, they do not prevent anyone from speaking.
There are still two legal challenges to the Disclose Act pending, one at the state level and one in federal court.
November 3, 2016 •
Canada’s Lobbying Commissioner Will Not Seek Reappointment
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd will not seek reappointment when her current term expires at the end of December. Shepherd has been the commissioner since the creation of the position in 2008. The Governor in Council will appoint a new commissioner […]
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd will not seek reappointment when her current term expires at the end of December. Shepherd has been the commissioner since the creation of the position in 2008.
The Governor in Council will appoint a new commissioner after consulting with the leader of every recognized party in the Senate and House of Commons.
Following the consultation, the Senate and House of Commons must approve the appointment by resolution.
October 28, 2016 •
Canada’s Liberal Party Fundraisers Under Fire
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd says her office is investigating Liberal Party fundraisers to see if they violate the Lobbying Act. Opposition members of Parliament argue the fundraisers are “pay to play” and violate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ethic guidelines. Conflict […]
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd says her office is investigating Liberal Party fundraisers to see if they violate the Lobbying Act.
Opposition members of Parliament argue the fundraisers are “pay to play” and violate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ethic guidelines.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson stated the fundraisers do not violate the Conflict of Interest Act, but she believes the practice to be unsavory and is calling for changes to Canada’s laws to restrict the practice.
October 17, 2016 •
Come and Get Your Donuts and Apple Cider!
On Monday, October 31 State and Federal Communications is hosting its annual Halloween Donut and Apple Cider sale. All sales will go directly to the United Way of Summit County. Drop in and say hello from 8:30 to 11:00 […]
On Monday, October 31 State and Federal Communications is hosting its annual Halloween Donut and Apple Cider sale. All sales will go directly to the United Way of Summit County.
Drop in and say hello from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. and enjoy a delicious treat. We’ll be in the lobby of 80 South Summit St. in Downtown Akron, across from Quaker Square.
The Krispy Kreme donuts are $1.00 per donut or $7.00 per dozen. The apple cider will be $1.00 per cup or $8.00 per gallon.
To reserve your donuts, you can email Tony Didion at adidion@stateandfed.com, or call us at 330-761-9960.
On November 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) will consider proposed regulations to make biennial cost of living adjustments to campaign contribution and gift limits that will apply from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018. The proposed regulations […]
On November 17, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) will consider proposed regulations to make biennial cost of living adjustments to campaign contribution and gift limits that will apply from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018.
The proposed regulations would change the gift limit from $460 to $470 and make increases to campaign contribution limits.
The FPPC is accepting written comments on the proposals until November 15, 2016.
October 3, 2016 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our October/November calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello! October 3 Akron Roundtable 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, Akron, Ohio October 19-21 Public Affairs Council Fall Board Meeting, Laguna Beach, California October 20 Akron […]
Here is our October/November calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello!
October 3 Akron Roundtable 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, Akron, Ohio
October 19-21 Public Affairs Council Fall Board Meeting, Laguna Beach, California
October 20 Akron Roundtable, Akron, Ohio
November 10 Professional Women in Advocacy Conference, Washington, DC
November 16-18 NABPAC Biennial Post-Election Conference, Breakers Palm Beach, Florida
November 19-22 SGAC Leaders’ Policy Conference, Dana Point, California
September 22, 2016 •
First Reports Under California’s New Lobbyist Reporting Requirements Due October 31
The first reports under the Fair Political Practices Commission’s new amended reporting requirements for “other payments to influence legislative or administrative action” are due October 31. The third quarter report covers the period of July 1 to September 30, 2016. […]
The first reports under the Fair Political Practices Commission’s new amended reporting requirements for “other payments to influence legislative or administrative action” are due October 31.
The third quarter report covers the period of July 1 to September 30, 2016.
Lobbyist employers and persons spending $5,000 or more to influence legislative or administrative action will need to itemize “other payments to influence legislative or administrative action” using the new Form 640.
September 21, 2016 •
West Virginia Special Session Adjourns
West Virginia’s special session adjourned sine die on September 20, 2016. Lawmakers approved a bill allocating $85 million for flood relief and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed the bill yesterday. Flood recovery is estimated to cost $339 million, with Federal […]
West Virginia’s special session adjourned sine die on September 20, 2016.
Lawmakers approved a bill allocating $85 million for flood relief and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed the bill yesterday.
Flood recovery is estimated to cost $339 million, with Federal Emergency Management Agency covering the majority of those costs.
September 19, 2016 •
West Virginia Convenes Special Session
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin called a special legislative session that began September 18, 2016. The session is expected to run through September 20 and is limited in scope to the issue of authorizing funds to cover flood recovery costs. This […]
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin called a special legislative session that began September 18, 2016.
The session is expected to run through September 20 and is limited in scope to the issue of authorizing funds to cover flood recovery costs.
This is West Virginia’s second special session held in 2016.
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.
