December 7, 2016 •
Maine Ethics Commission Proposes Potential Legislation
The staff of the Maine Ethics Commission (MEC) will propose legislation to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices at a meeting on December 8, 2016, to enhance the public’s understanding of major contributors to political committees. The statutory […]
The staff of the Maine Ethics Commission (MEC) will propose legislation to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices at a meeting on December 8, 2016, to enhance the public’s understanding of major contributors to political committees.
The statutory proposal would require national organizations contributing more than $100,000 to Maine-based political committees to file a one-time report with MEC detailing basic contact information about the national organization, a responsible officer, the form of the organization, and a description of its purpose. The report would require the organization to provide the top five sources of funding received during the previous 12 months. Failure to file a report could result in a $50,000 penalty.
If the statutory proposal is approved by the commissioners, it would then go to the Legislature for consideration.
December 1, 2016 •
Ontario Passes Campaign Finance Reform Bill
The Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly on December 1, 2016. It was introduced after an investigation into pay-to-play fundraising and cash for access scandals. The investigation revealed that corporations and lobbyists had spent […]
The Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly on December 1, 2016. It was introduced after an investigation into pay-to-play fundraising and cash for access scandals.
The investigation revealed that corporations and lobbyists had spent up to $10,000 to buy time with cabinet members in seeking policy decisions and contracts. The new amendment will prohibit all provincial politicians, candidates, and senior political staffers from attending fundraising events and ban contributions from corporations and unions.
In addition to these prohibitions, donations from individuals are limited to $1,200 per political party annually, down from $9,975 under the current system. Third-parties, who currently face no spending restrictions on advertising, will be capped at $100,000 per election period and $600,000 in the six months before a general election is called. A spending cap will also be placed on political party advertising at $1 million in the six months before a general election is called.
The bill was passed despite negative feedback regarding loopholes in the legislation. It will go into effect on January 1, 2017.
November 23, 2016 •
2016 NCSL State Vote Recaps Campaign Finance Ballot Initiatives
The 2016 election was about a lot more than just a battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Across the country, states asked voters to consider a variety of ballot measures, including a few campaign finance issues. At the 2016 National Conference […]
The 2016 election was about a lot more than just a battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Across the country, states asked voters to consider a variety of ballot measures, including a few campaign finance issues. At the 2016 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) State Vote seminar held in Washington, D.C., Wendy Underhill recapped a number of those issues and the decisions that voters made on Nov. 8.
Both California and Washington held votes related to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United vs. FEC. Voters approved ballot measures that urged government leaders to use their power to work to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling, possibly through a constitutional amendment, if possible.
In Missouri, voters approved an initiative establishing limits on campaign contributions to candidates for state or judicial office; while in South Dakota, voters approved an initiative to create a publicly funded campaign finance program and an ethics commission.
For more from the NCSL State Vote seminar you can view some of the presentation slides here. To see a list of ballot measure election results of interest to government relations professionals, take a look at our 2016 election dashboard.
November 22, 2016 •
FPPC Approves Amendments to Increase Gift and Campaign Contribution Limits
On Nov. 17, California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) approved regulations to make biennial cost of living adjustments to campaign contribution and gift limits that will apply from Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2018. The newly amended regulations change […]
On Nov. 17, California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) approved regulations to make biennial cost of living adjustments to campaign contribution and gift limits that will apply from Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2018.
The newly amended regulations change the gift limit from $460 to $470 and makes increases to campaign contribution limits.
November 17, 2016 •
Gov. Cuomo to Address Ethics Concerns
On November 16, 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement proposing plans to limit campaign contributions and close loopholes for those doing business with the state. In response to contracting scandals at state universities, Cuomo intends to appoint inspectors general […]
On November 16, 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement proposing plans to limit campaign contributions and close loopholes for those doing business with the state.
In response to contracting scandals at state universities, Cuomo intends to appoint inspectors general to investigate fraud and abuse at the State University of New York and the City University of New York.
Furthermore, Cuomo will appoint a chief procurement officer to review all state contracts and grants for the purpose of re-establishing public trust. The entire statement can be accessed here.
Photo of Governor Cuomo courtesy of Pat Arnow on Wikipedia.
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.