August 1, 2018 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Arizona: “Secretary of State Michele Reagan Again Delays Arizona Campaign Website Planned for 2015” by Dustin Gardiner for Arizona Republic Michigan: “Former Michigan Secretary of State, Husband Agree to Pay $66K Fine” by Todd Spangler for Detroit Free […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Secretary of State Michele Reagan Again Delays Arizona Campaign Website Planned for 2015” by Dustin Gardiner for Arizona Republic
Michigan: “Former Michigan Secretary of State, Husband Agree to Pay $66K Fine” by Todd Spangler for Detroit Free Press
Minnesota: “Minnesota Political Donors Benefiting from State Campaign Refund Program” by Eric Chaloux for KSTP
Missouri: “Judge Strikes One St. Louis County Ballot Question on Campaign Contributions, but Other Two Are OK” by Jeremy Kohler for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Pennsylvania: “Lehigh County Pay-to-Play Law Crimps Donations from Political Candidates’ Own Parties” by Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call
Elections
National: “Facebook Has Identified Ongoing Political Influence Campaign” by Nicholas Fandos and Kevin Roose for MSN
Ethics
National: “FEMA Personnel Chief Harassed Women, Hired Some as Possible Sexual Partners for Male Employees, Agency’s Leader Says” by Lisa Rein (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Company Used Convicted Chicago Schools Chief in ‘Highly Unethical’ Work to Win Millions in CPS Business, Watchdog Finds” by Juan Perez Jr. for Chicago Tribune
Lobbying
National: “Foreign Lobbying Overhauls Stall as Manafort Goes to Trial” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
July 31, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Liberal Activists Embrace ‘Dark Money’ in Supreme Court Fight” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee (Washington Post) for Everett Herald Elections Georgia: “In Georgia Governor’s Race, a Defining Moment for a Southern State” by Kevin Sack and Alan […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Liberal Activists Embrace ‘Dark Money’ in Supreme Court Fight” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee (Washington Post) for Everett Herald
Elections
Georgia: “In Georgia Governor’s Race, a Defining Moment for a Southern State” by Kevin Sack and Alan Blinder for WRAL
Ethics
California: “Combatting Corruption: How effective is the political watchdog Jerry Brown helped create?” by Laurel Rosenhall and Robbie Short for CALmatters
New Mexico: “Investigators Move Sexual Harassment Case Against Legislator Forward” by Dan McKay and Dan Boyd for Albuquerque Journal
Lobbying
National: “From Six Homes to a City Jail: Paul Manafort, who redefined lobbying, faces trial” by Rachel Weiner and Tom Hamburger (Washington Post) for The News-Times
National: “At Prayer Breakfast, Guests Seek Access to a Different Higher Power” by Kenneth Vogel and Elizabeth Dias (New York Times) for WRAL
National: “EPA Chief Andrew Wheeler’s Past Lobbying Ties Attract Scrutiny” by Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) for MSN
Alaska: “Ethics Reform Bill Signed into Law” by Staff for Cordova Times
July 30, 2018 •
Legislation Introduced to Amend Federal Lobbying Law
On July 25, Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. John Sarbanes introduced legislation aimed to make several changes to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA). Currently, part of the LDA’s requirements for determining whether an individual is required to register […]
On July 25, Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. John Sarbanes introduced legislation aimed to make several changes to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA).
Currently, part of the LDA’s requirements for determining whether an individual is required to register as a federal lobbyist include if he or she makes two or more lobbying contacts and if his or her lobbying activities constitute at least 20 percent of the individual’s time in services for a client over any three-month period. The proposed legislation, introduced as two identical bills in both houses of Congress as Senate Bill 3274 and House Bill 6533, would require registration if a lobbyist makes more than one lobbying contact over a two-year period and would eliminate the 20 percent time threshold used in determining whether registration is required.
This bill would also require individuals who provide paid strategic advice in support of a lobbying contact with a government official to register as lobbyists even if they do not directly make the contact, prohibit lobbyists from soliciting, bundling or providing campaign contributions above a total equal to an individual’s campaign contribution limit, and prohibit members of Congress, senators, and candidates for Congress or the Senate from soliciting campaign contributions from lobbyists when their respective bodies are in session.
Additionally, the legislation would no longer permit foreign agents from avoiding registration under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) by registering under the LDA.
More information is available from the press releases of Sen. Bennet and Rep. Sarbanes, and from a policy summary of the Democracy Reform Task Force, of which Sarbanes is the Chairman.
July 30, 2018 •
Kansas City Defeats Gift Ordinance
An ethics proposal in Kansas City to limit gifts from lobbyists to $5, restrict taxpayer-funded City Council travel, and extend the revolving door provision was defeated on July 26. The proposal failed 7-4, even after a bill substitute increased the […]
An ethics proposal in Kansas City to limit gifts from lobbyists to $5, restrict taxpayer-funded City Council travel, and extend the revolving door provision was defeated on July 26.
The proposal failed 7-4, even after a bill substitute increased the gift restriction to $50.
The ordinance was introduced by Councilman Scott Taylor, who is also a Kansas City mayoral candidate.
July 30, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Elections Missouri: “McCaskill, Vulnerable Democrat Running for Re-election, Targeted in Russian Hacking Attempt” by Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune North Carolina: “‘I Have Not Been Involved,’ NC Supreme Court Justice Says of Bill Targeting Opponent” by Wil Doran […]
Elections
Missouri: “McCaskill, Vulnerable Democrat Running for Re-election, Targeted in Russian Hacking Attempt” by Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post) for Chicago Tribune
North Carolina: “‘I Have Not Been Involved,’ NC Supreme Court Justice Says of Bill Targeting Opponent” by Wil Doran for Raleigh News and Observer
West Virginia: “West Virginia Official Rejects Blankenship’s Third-Party Senate Bid” by Jordain Carney for The Hill
Ethics
National: “Cohen Says Trump Approved Trump Tower Meeting with Russians” by Darren Samuelsohn, Quint Forgey, and Andrew Restuccia for Politico
National: “Allen Weisselberg, Trump Organization’s Finance Chief, May Be Questioned” by Maggie Haberman, Michael Schmidt, and Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) for MSN
Florida: “Jack Latvala Cleared of Criminal Charges by State Prosecutor” by Steve Bousquet, Mary Ellen Klas, and Emily Mahoney for Tampa Bay Times
New York: “Sheldon Silver, Ex-Assembly Speaker, Gets 7 Years in Prison for Corruption Conviction” by Jon Campbell for Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Lobbying
Maine: “Lawmakers, Lobbyists to Get Annual Anti-Harassment Training” by The Associated Press for Albany Times Union
Missouri: “Divided KC Council Defeats $5 Gift Proposal – ‘We’re Doing Fine’” by Bill Turque for Kansas City Star
July 27, 2018 •
NYCU Video Digest – July 27, 2018
State and Federal Intern Greta Conley delivers the fastest 2 minutes in government relations news in this weeks NYCU Video Digest!
State and Federal Intern Greta Conley delivers the fastest 2 minutes in government relations news in this weeks NYCU Video Digest!
July 27, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 27, 2018
Federal: In Ruling Against Trump, Judge Defines Anticorruption Clauses in Constitution for First Time WRAL – Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2018 A federal judge rejected President Trump’s effort to block a lawsuit that alleges he is violating […]
Federal:
In Ruling Against Trump, Judge Defines Anticorruption Clauses in Constitution for First Time
WRAL – Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) | Published: 7/25/2018
A federal judge rejected President Trump’s effort to block a lawsuit that alleges he is violating the Constitution by continuing to do business with foreign governments. The state of Maryland and the District of Columbia claim Trump is violating the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which prohibits elected officials from receiving gifts or benefits from foreign governments without congressional approval. In the first judicial opinion to define how the meaning of the Constitution’s anticorruption clauses should apply to a president, U.S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte said the framers’ language should be broadly construed as an effort to protect against influence-peddling by state and foreign governments.
Mueller Examining Trump’s Tweets in Wide-Ranging Obstruction Inquiry
MSN – Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 7/26/2018
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is scrutinizing tweets and negative statements from President Trump about Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former FBI Director James Comey, according to people briefed on the matter. Several of the remarks came as Trump was also privately pressuring the men – both key witnesses in the inquiry – about the probe, and Mueller is examining whether the actions add up to attempts to obstruct the investigation by both intimidating witnesses and pressuring senior law enforcement officials to tamp down the inquiry. Mueller’s interest in them is the latest addition to a range of presidential actions he is investigating as a possible obstruction case, like misleading White House statements, public attacks, and possible pardon offers to potential witnesses.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama: Rep. Randy Davis Indicted on Bribery Charges
Montgomery Advertiser – Brian Lyman | Published: 7/25/2018
Alabama Rep. Randy Davis was indicted on charges of conspiracy and bribery over what prosecutors describe as an attempt to pressure Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to cover insulin therapies offered in health clinics in which he had a financial interest. The indictment accuses Davis of working with former Rep. Micky Hammon, an investor in the clinics, to recruit investors, from which he received finders’ fees. Prosecutors also accused Davis of trying to lobby BCBS on behalf of Trina Health, which operated the clinics. Later, the indictment alleges, Davis and Hammon worked together to push a bill through the 2016 legislative session that would have forced coverage of the insulin treatment offered at the clinics.
California: New Head of California Political Watchdog Agency Says It Is Moving on After Period of Tumult
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 7/22/2018
Alice Germond is taking over an agency that has been mired in turmoil for months following a dispute between commissioners over the sharing of power. But the new chairperson of the California Fair Political Practices Commission said she has talked to the other commissioners and believes the panel can put the past behind them to focus on enforcing campaign finance laws ahead of the midterm elections in November. A power struggle in recent months pitted some part-time commissioners against the chairperson at the time, Jodi Remke, who they felt left them out of key decisions on budgets, personnel, legal issues, and policy changes.
Colorado: Colorado Campaign Finance Loophole Allows Dark Money Flyers
Colorado Independent – Sandra Fish | Published: 7/23/2018
Colorado’s campaign finance law has a loophole that allows printed literature, mailers, or other materials about candidates to be distributed without disclosing who paid for them if they do not include so-called magic words such as “vote for” or “vote against.” Colorado was one of only 10 states that did not require disclosure of an ad’s sponsor in the 2016 election cycle. It is a form of “dark money” that prevents voters from tracing who is behind a campaign message.
Florida: South Miami’s Mayor Shut Down an Opponent at Meetings. Now He Faces an Investigation.
Miami Herald – Aaron Leibowitz | Published: 7/18/2018
When Stephen Cody approached the podium at a South Miami commission meeting, Mayor Philip Stoddard had a good idea of what he might say. A few days earlier, a group that Cody created criticized Stoddard for the city’s firing of its former police chief and a resulting lawsuit. Stoddard refused to let Cody speak and demanded he first register as a lobbyist. When Cody returned to the commission the next month, without having registered, Stoddard again cut him off when he began to discuss the police chief’s firing. The county ethics commission ruled there was probable cause Stoddard had violated Cody’s “right to be heard” under the county’s Citizens’ Bill of Rights.
Georgia: Georgia State Rep. Jason Spencer to Resign in Wake of Sacha Baron Cohen Pants-Dropping Debacle
MSN – Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) | Published: 7/24/2018
Georgia Rep. Jason Spencer, who was fooled into repeatedly yelling a racial epithet on comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s television show, intends to resign effective July 31. “Who Is America?” has pranked a long list of sitting and former lawmakers. In this segment, Cohen played an Israeli antiterrorism expert and Spencer was seen on camera dropping his pants, mocking a stereotypical Asian accent, and seemingly not requiring much coaxing to yell the racial epithet, spurring immediate outrage. Spencer lost in the primary in his bid for a fifth term and initially said he would serve out his final months, but calls for him to resign became too loud.
Illinois: Rauner Blasts Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson’s Cash Giveaway, State Says He Didn’t Violate Campaign Rules
Chicago Tribune – John Byrne and Rick Pearson | Published: 7/23/2018
The Illinois State Board of Elections said Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson’s handing out of nearly $200,000 in checks at a recent church event did not break campaign finance laws. A campaign spokesperson said Wilson gave the money to people to help them cover the cost of their property taxes and other expenses as part of his philanthropic work through the Dr. Willie Wilson Foundation, a registered nonprofit. “As far as we can see, it looks like he didn’t use campaign funds for this and there doesn’t appear to have been any quid pro quo, like, ‘Here’s some money, vote for me,'” said elections board spokesperson Matt Dietrich. “So, from our perspective, it doesn’t look like there was anything illegal about this.”
Indiana: Secret Donations to Fuel Hill’s Defense Against Groping Allegations
Indianapolis Star Tribune – Tony Cook, Kaitlin Lange, and Ryan Martin | Published: 7/23/2018
Supporters of Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill have set up a legal fund to defend him against accusations that he inappropriately touched four women. Attorney Jim Bopp announced the creation of Fairness for Curtis Hill, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed to collect tax deductible funds for Hill’s defense. Some tax and campaign finance experts questioned whether the new fund could even operate as a charitable nonprofit under the law. Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, a law professor at Notre Dame, said a 501(c)(3) charity cannot benefit one person. Usually defending public officials from allegations also is not considered charitable, he said. “The name alone should have been a red flag for the IRS,” Mayer said.
Maine: Ethics Commission to Delay Clean Elections Funding Until Court Ruling
Lewiston Sun Journal – Colin Ellis | Published: 7/25/2018
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices delayed action on Clean Elections in the hope that a court ruling on the matter might be issued soon but did not rule out the possibility of calling a special meeting should the money continue to be held back. Commissioners agreed it was unfair that certain candidates have not received funding ahead of the November election but said they were not in a position to release funding at this point. Gov. Paul LePage has refused to release $1.4 million in public funding for Clean Election candidates, and Republican House members have refused to fix a typographical error in the law that provides additional funds to be used this year.
Montana: Gov. Bullock Sues IRS Over Decision to Stop Requiring Some Tax-Exempt Groups to Identify Donors
Helena Independent Record – Amy Beth Hanson (Associated Press) | Published: 7/24/2018
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock sued the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Treasury Department to stop them from removing requirements that politically active nonprofits disclose their donors’ identities. Bullock said the Trump administration failed to give proper notice of or seek public comment on changes to the decades-old rule requiring such disclosure. He is asking a federal judge to find the rollback illegal and set it aside. This is the third time in recent months that Bullock has inserted himself and Montana into national issues and continues his efforts in support of transparent elections.
New York: Who Needs Small Donors When You Have Friends? Ask Gov. Cuomo.
WRAL – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 7/17/2018
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has always relied on large donations to accumulate a $31.1 million campaign account. But even as he emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most prolific fundraisers, he has all but ignored grassroots contributors. Now, mindful of the party’s insurgency, and facing a primary challenge from Cynthia Nixon, the governor has raced to find small donors. But disclosures revealed the extent to which Cuomo remains dependent on big donors, and some of the maneuvers undertaken to obscure that fact. One donor gave 69 times to Cuomo in the final days before the deadline – 67 of them one-dollar donations, driving down his average contribution size.
North Dakota: Anti-Corruption Measure Headed for North Dakota Ballot
West Fargo Pioneer – John Hageman | Published: 7/23/2018
North Dakota voters will decide whether to add anti-corruption language to the state’s constitution this fall. A ballot measure would prevent lobbyists from giving gifts to public officials and would establish an ethics commission that could investigate officials, candidates, and lobbyists. It would also prevent public officials from being a lobbyist while holding office and for two years after leaving their post. State lawmakers would be required to pass legislation mandating “public disclosure of the ultimate and true source of funds” spent to influence elections and government actions.
Ohio: Cincinnati Firm Lobbies for Taxpayers – and Companies That Want Their Money
Cincinnati Enquirer – Dan Horn | Published: 7/23/2018
Anne Sesler once acted as spokesperson for both FC Cincinnati and Hamilton County simultaneously. That is because Government Strategies Group, a firm for which Sesler is a consultant, is paid by both the county and the new Major League Soccer team to handle their lobbying and communications work. The county hired her in 2017 and the team hired her in January. Some say that is a conflict because the interests of FC Cincinnati and Hamilton County are not the same: FC Cincinnati needed $15 million last year for a stadium parking garage and taxpayers picked up the tab. And those are not the only Government Strategies clients with interests that sometimes overlap.
Pennsylvania: Board of Ethics Says Pro-Soda Tax Coalition Violated Lobbying Law
Philadelphia Business Journal – Alison Burdo | Published: 7/20/2018
The leading group that pushed for passage of Philadelphia’s controversial soda tax agreed to pay $8,000 in civil penalties after the Board of Ethics cited it for violations of the city’s lobbying law. Philadelphians for a Fair Future (PFF) formed in 2016 and raised more than $2 million to promote the tax, which was proposed by Mayor Jim Kenney. The board found the group gave incomplete information in required reports on its spending. In addition, four companies and individuals PFF employed to lobby failed to register as required.
July 26, 2018 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: County Won’t Name Everyone Who Broke Campaign Money Laws by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC Illinois: Rauner Blasts Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson’s Cash Giveaway, State Says He Didn’t Violate Campaign Rules by John Byrne and […]
Campaign Finance
California: County Won’t Name Everyone Who Broke Campaign Money Laws by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Illinois: Rauner Blasts Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson’s Cash Giveaway, State Says He Didn’t Violate Campaign Rules by John Byrne and Rick Pearson for Chicago Tribune
Montana: Gov. Bullock Sues IRS Over Decision to Stop Requiring Some Tax-Exempt Groups to Identify Donors by Amy Beth Hansson (Associated Press) for Helena Independent Record
New York: Sugarman Cracks Down on Former-IDC Campaign Accounts by David Lombardo for Albany Times Union
Elections
National: There Is a Revolution on the Left. Democrats Are Bracing. by Alexander Burns (New York Times) for MSN
Ethics
National: Federal Judge Allows Emoluments Case Against Trump to Proceed by Ann Marimow, Jonathan O’Connell, and David Fahrenthold (Washington Post) for MSN
National: Wilbur Ross Actively Pushed to Add Citizenship Question to 2020 Census, Documents Show by Tara Bahrampour (Washington Post) for San Francisco Chronicle
Illinois: Lawmakers Question Possible Conflicts of Interest in Tollway Contracts by Mary Wisniewski for Chicago Tribune
Lobbying
National: Two Trump Allies, Seeing Unlimited Opportunity, Instead Drew Scrutiny by Kenneth Vogel, Mark Mazzetti, Maggie Haberman, and David Kirkpatrick (New York Times) for MSN
Pennsylvania: Board of Ethics Says Pro-Soda Tax Coalition Violated Lobbying Law by Alison Burdo for Philadelphia Business Journal
Redistricting
National: Drive Against Gerrymandering Finds New Life in Ballot Initiatives by Michael Wines (New York Times) for MSN
July 25, 2018 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Donations to Nunes Improperly Used to Charter a Private Jet, Says Complaint to FEC” by Kate Irby for McClatchy DC California: “Ref Rodriguez Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Resigns from L.A. School Board” by Howard Blume and […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Donations to Nunes Improperly Used to Charter a Private Jet, Says Complaint to FEC” by Kate Irby for McClatchy DC
California: “Ref Rodriguez Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Resigns from L.A. School Board” by Howard Blume and Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Colorado: “Colorado Campaign Finance Loophole Allows Dark Money Flyers” by Sandra Fish for Colorado Independent
New York: “Who Needs Small Donors When You Have Friends? Ask Gov. Cuomo.” by Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) for WRAL
Elections
Hawaii: “Candidates Say ‘Pay To Play’ Is Unfair For Newspaper Voter’s Guide” by Andrew Perala for Honolulu Civil Beat
Ethics
National: “Russian Billionaire with U.S. Investments Backed Alleged Agent Maria Butina, According to a Person Familiar with Her Senate Testimony” by Rosalind Helderman (Washington Post) for MSN
Georgia: “Georgia Leaders Condemn Jason Spencer, Lawmaker Who Used Slurs on Sacha Baron Cohen Show” by Sopan Deb (New York Times) for MSN
Indiana: “Secret Donations to Fuel Hill’s Defense Against Groping Allegations” by Tony Cook, Kaitlin Lange, and Ryan Martin for Indianapolis Star Tribune
North Dakota: “Anti-Corruption Measure Headed for North Dakota Ballot” by John Hageman for West Fargo Pioneer
West Virginia: “Ethics Complaints Closed Against W.Va. Supreme Court Justices” by Wendy Holdren for Beckley Register-Herald
July 24, 2018 •
Anti-Corruption Measure to Appear on North Dakota Ballot
After gathering 38,451 signatures, an anti-corruption measure will appear on the November 6 ballot in North Dakota. If the measure is approved by voters, the ethics commission will be responsible for adopting rules related to elections, lobbying, and for reporting […]
After gathering 38,451 signatures, an anti-corruption measure will appear on the November 6 ballot in North Dakota.
If the measure is approved by voters, the ethics commission will be responsible for adopting rules related to elections, lobbying, and for reporting and investigating alleged violations of those rules and related state laws.
Additionally, the measure prohibits gifts from lobbyists, prohibits the delivery of campaign contributions by lobbyists, and creates a revolving door provision banning public officials from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office.
This is the first ballot measure to receive enough signatures to appear in front of voters this November.
July 24, 2018 •
Gov. Jerry Brown Appoints New FPPC Chair
Alice Germond was appointed chairwoman of the California Fair Political Practices Commission last month. Germond and the commissioners are working to boost voter trust in the commission “so that they have faith when they go to the election booth that […]
Alice Germond was appointed chairwoman of the California Fair Political Practices Commission last month.
Germond and the commissioners are working to boost voter trust in the commission “so that they have faith when they go to the election booth that their vote is not bought and that the playing field is level and that the basic part of democracy is working for them.”
Germond will be the chair until January, when the newly-elected governor will have the option to appoint a new chairperson.
July 24, 2018 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Tabloid Company, Aiding Trump Campaign, May Have Crossed Line into Politics” by Jim Rutenberg and Ben Protess (New York Times) for MSN Elections Georgia: “She’s Mexican-Born and a New U.S. Citizen. But Can She Run for the […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Tabloid Company, Aiding Trump Campaign, May Have Crossed Line into Politics” by Jim Rutenberg and Ben Protess (New York Times) for MSN
Elections
Georgia: “She’s Mexican-Born and a New U.S. Citizen. But Can She Run for the Georgia House?” by Richard Fausett (New York Times) for WRAL
Ethics
California: “New Head of California Political Watchdog Agency Says It Is Moving on After Period of Tumult” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Secret Tapes Reveal Undercover FBI Agents Trying to Take Down Hallandale Mayor” by Susannah Bryan for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Maryland: “Howard County Studies Loosening Some Ethics Law Reporting Rules” by Kate Magill for Baltimore Sun
Lobbying
National: “Busy Trump, Congress Keep K Street Booming” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Ohio: “Cincinnati Firm Lobbies for Taxpayers – and Companies That Want Their Money” by Dan Horn for Cincinnati Enquirer
Pennsylvania: “PPA Lobbyist Paid $3,000 a Month. For What?” by William Bender for Philadelphia Inquirer
July 23, 2018 •
Alaska Governor Signs Legislative Ethics Bill
Gov. Bill Walker signed significant legislative ethics reforms into law on July 19. House Bill 44 prohibits lobbyists from buying meals or alcoholic drinks for legislators, requires legislators to receive prior approval for travel abroad that is paid for by […]
Gov. Bill Walker signed significant legislative ethics reforms into law on July 19.
House Bill 44 prohibits lobbyists from buying meals or alcoholic drinks for legislators, requires legislators to receive prior approval for travel abroad that is paid for by the state, and mandates legislators to disclose conflicts of interest on which they are voting when there is something financial at stake for themselves or immediate family members.
The legislative ethics reform ballot initiative has been taken off the fall ballot because the bill and initiative have been deemed substantially similar.
The bill went into effect immediately.
July 23, 2018 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: How Members of Congress Cultivate Wealthy Donors Through a Little-Known PAC by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post Arizona: APS Spends Big to Keep Clean-Energy Measure Off Ballot – but What Was Paid for Isn’t Clear […]
Campaign Finance
National: How Members of Congress Cultivate Wealthy Donors Through a Little-Known PAC by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post
Arizona: APS Spends Big to Keep Clean-Energy Measure Off Ballot – but What Was Paid for Isn’t Clear by Rachel Leingang for Arizona Republic
Elections
National: New Tactic by Politicians: Set up fake news websites as a campaign gambit by Tim Johnson for McClatchy DC
National: ‘A Difficult Situation’: Republican women run in the Trump era by Rachel Bade for Politico
National: States Slow to Prepare for Hacking Threats by Eric Geller for Politico
Ethics
Alabama: ‘Beach House Sheriff’ Under Federal, State Investigation Over Jail Food Money by Connor Sheets for AL.com
Florida: South Miami’s Mayor Shut Down an Opponent at Meetings. Now he faces an investigation. by Aaron Liebowitz for Miami Herald
New York: New York Is Said to Open Tax Inquiry into Trump Foundation by Vivian Wang (New York Times) for WRAL
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