Lobbying

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Ex-lawmaker registers to lobby for Ukrainian businessmen” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Ethics panel won’t move forward on Luis Gutierrez” by John Bresnahan in Politico.

Missouri: “Former governor Matt Blunt now a registered lobbyist” by Kelly Moffitt in the St. Louis Business Journal.

Campaign Finance

California: “Scaled-back campaign finance disclosure bill clears Assembly” by Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.

New Jersey: “Bill would extend campaign funding” by Maddie Hanna in The Inquirer.

North Carolina: “Big money targets NC elections” by Jon Ostendorff in the Citizen-Times.

Elections

“6 Things to Watch in Tuesday’s Primaries” by Alexis Levinson and Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

“10 Maps That Explain the 2014 Midterms” by Kyle Kondik in Politico Magazine.

“A singer, a speaker: House races to watch” by Alex Isenstadt in Politico.

“The 10 Most Vulnerable Members of 2014” by Shira T. Center, Abby Livingston, and Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Ethics

“Members of Congress Open Wallets and Pocketbooks” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Government Transparency

New York: “After Pledge of Sunlight, Gov. Cuomo Officials Keep Their Email in the Shadows” by Justin Elliott in ProPublica.

Gov. Nikki Haley has rejected a proposed compromise on ethics oversight by the House ethics reform panel. The panel unanimously advanced a proposal in House Bill 3945 to create an independent investigative commission.

The commission would consist of 12 members selected by all three branches of state government and have the power to investigate allegations of violations by officials and candidates. Power to punish violations would remain with the existing House and Senate ethics committees. The governor has also rejected the panel’s previous attempt to create an omnibus commission with the power to investigate, judge, and punish.

The panel is attempting to find compromise between the House version containing a combined ethics committee and the Senate version maintaining separate ethics committees. The investigative committee proposal will go before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Lobbying

“Fewer lobbyists are passing through the revolving door from K Street to Capitol Hill” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.

“Lobbying industry spending takes a small dip” by Allen Young in the Sacramento Business Journal.

“Tech lobbies join forces” by Julian Hattem in The Hill.

Kansas: “Lobbying in Kansas draws scrutiny from the FBI” by Dave Helling and Brad Cooper in The Kansas City Star.

New Jersey: “New Jersey’s 10 highest-paid lobbyists” in The Star-Ledger.

Campaign Finance

“Chamber of Commerce Spends Millions on Independent Expenditures” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Liberal donors eye new long-term investments in states and new voters to boost Democrats” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

Vermont: “Vermont Calls to Take Money out of Politics” by Steph Machado on myChamplainValley.com.

Wisconsin:  “Wisconsin Alderman Accepts Bitcoin Contributions For State Assembly Run, Runs Into Snag” by Eric Calouro in newsBTC.

Ethics

Missouri: “Missouri lawmakers struggle with ethics measures” by Jordan Shapiro (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Rhode Island: “Sheehan: A Way to Close the Ethics Loophole” by James C. Sheehan in GoLocalProv.

Rhode Island: “Political Scene: R.I. pols got around, from Miami to Moscow” by Katherine Gregg and Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

West Virginia: “Ethics commission allows public employees to solicit Girl Scout cookie sales in workplace” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

From the State Legislatures

Iowa: “Some sizzle, some fizzle in 2014 legislative session” by William Petroski and Jason Noble in The Des Moines Register.

Government Tech and Social Media

California: “California Lawmaker Crowdsources Constituents to Create a Bill of Their Own” by Melanie Mason in Governing.

National:

States Are Now Targets of ‘Citizens United’

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 5/1/2014

General Majority PAC, created last year by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s chief of staff, Susan McCue, has won legal challenges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania over the past year to enforce the Supreme Court ruling permitting unlimited corporate and union spending. The successful lawsuits essentially have created the equivalent of super PACs at the state level and are part of a larger transformation of election law in the past few years as the changes at the federal level eventually creep down into state election law.

Federal:

Corporations Join the Party

Politico – Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti | Published: 5/1/2014

While presidential inaugurations and party conventions are not what they used to be as fundraisers have struggled with getting corporate donors to act as sponsors, one weekend a year these fears fade away and companies open their checkbooks to join in the fun of the establishment celebrating the establishment: the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Dozens of corporations are sponsoring cocktail receptions and late night soirees, along with an educational event or two, during the weekend of the dinner.

Women Take Power as Lobbyists

The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 4/29/2014

Whether they are managing the lobbying operations of Fortune 200 companies, running their own shops, or building up a roster of big-name clients at mega-firms, women are steadily moving into roles once considered part of Washington’s “old boys club.” While men still outnumber women on K Street by a significant margin, the environment has changed dramatically from just over a decade ago, when a prominent lobbyist felt she could not successfully open a firm without a man’s name on the masthead.

From the States and Municipalities:

Illinois – Ex-Ald. Mell Starts Lobbying Firm with Help of Daughter Patti Blagojevich

Chicago Tribune – Hal Dardick | Published: 4/28/2014

Former Chicago Ald. Dick Mell has started a new lobbying firm with the help of daughter Patti Blagojevich. Mell said the venture is something to keep him busy in retirement and also a way to financially help his daughter. Her husband, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is serving a 14-year sentence in federal prison for corruption. Mell retired before the implementation of a new revolving door policy that as of January 1 bars aldermen from lobbying the city for one year after their last day in office.

Indiana – Ethics Panel: Overhaul needed after Turner actions

The Post-Tribune; Associated Press –   | Published: 4/30/2014

A panel of lawmakers said Indiana Rep. Eric Turner did not violate House ethics rules when he fought legislation that would have cost his family’s nursing home business millions of dollars. But the Ethics Committee expressed concerns that Turner’s efforts to defeat a proposed nursing home moratorium did not achieve the “highest spirit of transparency” and vowed to tighten those rules. Documents show Turner had more than $4 million in profits on the line through his ownership stake in the company.

Kansas – Sources: FBI examines lobbying by Brownback

Topeka Capital-Journal – Tim Carpenter | Published: 4/27/2014

The FBI has been investigating influence peddling involving some of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s top advisers. Of concern were behind-the-scenes financial arrangements related to the privatization of the state’s Medicaid program, which handed exclusive contracts to three for-profit insurance companies to provide services. The inquiry focuses on Parallel Strategies, a lobbying firm founded by David Kensinger, the governor’s former chief of staff. Kensinger quit two months before contracts were signed with the three companies, which reportedly hired a lobbyist who works with him.

Louisiana – Limit on Louisiana Lobbyists’ Spending Edges Up to $58 per Occasion, Starting in July

Columbus Republic; Associated Press –   | Published: 4/29/2014

Starting in July, the amount that can be spent by a Louisiana lobbyist per person for an occasion is increasing to $58. The limit applies to food, drink, and other refreshments purchased for public employees and elected officials. The amount has been steadily rising since the Legislature implemented a $50 spending cap and then allowed it to increase with the consumer price index.

Ohio – Indian Hill Payday-Lender Lobbyist Avoids Jail Time

Cincinnati Enquirer – Chrissie Thompson | Published: 5/1/2014

Lobbyist John Rabenold must pay $2,000 in fines for failing to report gifts of sports tickets and upscale dinners to Ohio lawmakers. He will spend up to three years on probation. Rabenold must also continue to cooperate with an investigation that could result in charges against lawmakers for accepting the gifts and failing to report them.

Pennsylvania – After the Latest Scandals, Pennsylvania Lawmakers Ponder a Gift Ban and Other Tougher Ethics Laws

Harrisburg Patriot News – Jeff Frantz | Published: 4/28/2014

The Senate State Government Committee heard testimony that Pennsylvania’s ethics laws regarding gifts are among the weakest in the country and must be strengthened. The Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit cash gifts, but Committee Chairperson Lloyd Smucker has advocated a wide ban on gifts and hospitality. John Schaaf, counsel for the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission, testified about his state, which called a special session after several lawmakers were charged with corruption by the FBI. Schaaf said Kentucky now has some of the toughest ethics measures in the country.

Texas – Nonprofit Groups Using Law to Anonymously Back Candidates

Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauff | Published: 4/27/2014

Dark money has been injected into a broad mix of state and local elections in Texas. With the state in the midst of a heated gubernatorial race attracting national attention and national donors, the stream of secret campaign cash from outside groups is expected to steadily increase. The Texas Ethics Commission has put up for public comment proposed rulemaking to address anonymous contributions, and some lawmakers, annoyed after being targeted by dark money, are working to revamp 501(c)(4) disclosure legislation vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry last session.

Vermont – Close to Adjournment, House Democrats Throw $500 Lobbyist Fundraiser

Seven Days – Paul Heinz | Published: 5/1/2014

With just days remaining in the legislative session, Vermont lawmakers and lobbyists took a break to attend a political fundraiser at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Over the course of two hours, a reporter from the website Seven Days observed nearly two dozen lobbyists and a dozen Democratic lawmakers, mostly committee chairpersons and members of the House leadership team, entering the Ethan Allen room. “… In our business, you trade on knowledge and you trade on relationships,” said lobbyist Joe Choquette.

Wisconsin – John Doe Probe Raises Issue of Potential Conflicts with Justices

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 4/28/2014

Some are questioning whether four of the state’s seven Supreme Court justices can hear one or more challenges to an ongoing probe into whether Wisconsin Club for Growth illegally coordinated with Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign. The group has spent about $1.8 million to help elect the four justices who make up the conservative bloc controlling the court. Wisconsin’s recusal rules for judges says campaign contributions and independent spending, absent other factors, are not enough to warrant getting out of cases.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“Under Contract” in The Hill.

“Corporations join the party” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti in Politico.

“Political law firm rebrands with new partners” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Missouri: “Petition to Ban Lobbyist Gifts Slow to Gain Signatures” by KMOX CBS News.

Campaign Finance

“States are now targets of ‘Citizens United’” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“Why dark money is likely to keep flowing in campaigns, in 1 Senate hearing” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

“Is it unethical for Justice Stevens to write and testify about campaign finance restrictions?” by Eugene Volokh in The Washington Post.

Kansas: “Campaign finance bill still has loophole” by D.E. Smoot in Muskogee Phoenix.

Ethics

Florida: “Broward County mayor faces ethics charges” by Brittany Wallman in the Sun Sentinel.

Maine: “Maine Ethics Commission Fines Casino Backers for Filing Violations” by A.J. Higgins on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

New York: “Federal Prosecutors Subpoena New York Ethics Enforcement Agency” by Erica Orden in The Wall Street Journal.

Rhode Island: “Rhode Island Senate president reports free trips” by The Associated Press in The San Francisco Chronicle.

State Legislatures

Wisconsin: “Legislature cannot fix voter ID law before November election, leader says” by Dee J. Hall | and Matthew DeFour in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Counsel for the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission John Schaaf testified before the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee on Kentucky’s strict ethics laws. Pennsylvania has one of the most lax ethics laws in the country, permitting officials to receive gifts in any amount, while Kentucky recently made its own strict law even more stringent by prohibiting all lobbyist gifts. Pennsylvania’s ethics laws have been under scrutiny after the recent allegations of legislators accepting cash payments from a lobbyist as part of a sting operation.

Schaaf testified about prior changes to Kentucky’s law enacted in a special session in 1993, in response to several legislators charged with ethics violations by the FBI. Schaaf stressed the importance of getting a law on the books; once enacted, it is difficult to change.

However, Kentucky’s ethics law only covers legislators and legislative candidates, and Pennsylvania Senator Lloyd Smucker, sponsor of a bill banning cash gifts, said broadening such a ban to other government employees makes the legislation more complex and may make it difficult to win support. Still, Pennsylvania’s lawmakers were interested in Kentucky’s approach to ethics, particularly the idea of an independent ethics commission available to answer questions from lawmakers and lobbyists.

Lobbying

“Obama’s Unlobbyists | K Street Files” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“Elizabeth Warren Slams ‘Armies’ of Lobbyists in Washington [Video]” by Ayobami Olugbemiga in InTheCapitol.

“Women take power as lobbyists” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Bridging K Street and Kentucky” by Erik Wasson in The Hill.

“Lobbyists raise their glass to mentor” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Roundtable adds top GOP staffer” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Florida:  “A Day In The Life Of A Tallahassee Lobbyist” by Gina Jordan on WLRN News.

Illinois: “Ex-Ald. Mell starts lobbying firm with help of daughter Patti Blagojevich” by Hal Dardick in the Chicago Tribune.

Louisiana: “Limit on La. lobbyist spending edges up to $58” by The Associated Press in The Washington Times.

New York:  “Group seeks inquiry into whether Melius broke lobbying laws” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.

Campaign Finance

Rhode Island: “3 RI gubernatorial candidates, all Democrats, sign spending-limit pledge” by Edward Fitzpatrick in the Providence Journal.

Minnesota: “Group challenging Minnesota campaign finance law asks judge to suspend contribution cap” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

New Mexico: “Gov. rakes in donations while lawmakers meet” by Thomas Cole in the Albuquerque Journal.

New York:  “Enterprise asks FEC to supersede NY campaign finance law” by Tom Brune in Newsday.

Ethics

“Rep. Grimm indicted on 20 Counts” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.

“Michael Grimm’s Close Friend Indicted” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Pennsylvania: “Toughen ethics laws, advocates tell Pa. legislators” by Amy Worden in The Inquirer.

Congress

“What Congress will and won’t get done” by Mike Lillis in The Hill.

From the State Legislatures

Michigan: “2 women bankrolling Grand Rapids term-limits campaign” by Matt Vande Bunte in Michigan Live.

New York: “Unfinished business for the NY legislature” by Karen DeWitt ion North Country Public Radio.

Wisconsin: “Turnover among legislators is highest in decades” by By Jason Stein in the Journal Sentinel.

Lobbying

“After three-year slump, K Street shows signs of growth” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Kansas: “FBI investigating influence peddling by Brownback confidants” by Steve Kraske in The Kansas City Star.

Campaign Finance

“FEC Provides New Resources for 2014 Elections” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“John Paul Stevens to testify on ‘dark money’” by Burgess Everett in Politico.

“McCutcheon Restores Power to Congressional Campaigns | Commentary” by Tim Peckinpaugh and Steve Roberts in Roll Call.

“Michael Grimm expected to be indicted” by John Bresnahan and Jake Sherman in Politico.

Georgia: “Local lawmakers ignore transparency laws” by Catherine Beck on WXIA News.

Ethics

“Ethics panel investigates Steve Stockman” by Lauren French in Politico.

“House Members Needing and Paying for Attorneys” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Florida: “Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief appears before ethics commission” by Carlos Suarez on WPLG News.

Indiana: “Indiana lawmakers struggle with ethics system” by Tom LoBianco in the San Francisco Chronicle.

State Legislatures

Colorado: “5 Things To Know in the Colorado Legislature” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.

National:

General Dynamics to No Longer Contribute to Political Organizations

Washington Business Journal – Jill Aitoro | Published: 4/22/2014

General Dynamics announced it will no longer make contributions to political organizations or nonprofit groups that in turn give to campaigns. The decision comes in response to a shareholder proposal that requests that the company’s board of directors authorize an annual report disclosing lobbying policy and procedures, and membership in and payments to tax-exempt organizations that write and endorse model legislation.

Political Attack Ads, Often Negative, Try Instead to Accentuate the Positive

New York Times – Ashley Parker | Published: 4/17/2014

Some of the best-known super PACs and outside political groups are making an effort to cast the candidates they support in an appealing way instead of solely attacking opponents. Already this year, 16 percent of Americans for Prosperity’s spots have been positive; in 2012, the group did not run a single one. The shift is the product of several factors, such as the renewed hope that positive commercials can break through the advertising clutter and the increasing prevalence of stock footage made public by campaigns that makes producing positive ads easier.

Federal:

Following Sebelius Phone Call, Foundation Donated $13M to Obamacare Outreach Group, Report Says

Washington Post – Jason Millman | Published: 4/21/2014

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius last year approached five organizations seeking money or technical help for Enroll America, a nonprofit working to increase participation in the federal health law, according to a review by the Government Accountability Office. Republicans had criticized Sebelius for making a funding request to outside groups, while the Obama administration defended the action, contending Congress refused to provide enough funding for Affordable Care Act outreach.

Justice Stevens Suggests Solution for ‘Giant Step in the Wrong Direction’

New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 4/21/2014

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens said the court had made a disastrous wrong turn in its recent string of campaign finance rulings. In an interview with The New York Times, Stevens talked about what he called a telling flaw in the opening sentence of the ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, and filled in some new details about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to the Citizens United decision.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Ethics Panel Wants More Public Funding Available to Candidates

Los Angeles Times – Soumya Karlamangla | Published: 4/17/2014

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission recommended the city’s public campaign finance program increase the matching funds available to candidates. The commission also announced it would no longer enforce aggregate contribution limits on individuals giving to city and school board candidates as a result of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. City caps on what donors can give to individual candidates will remain in effect. Those range from $700 to $1,300 per election, depending on the office.

Connecticut – DGA Challenges Connecticut’s Campaign Finance Restrictions

Connecticut Mirror – Mark Pazniokas | Published: 4/23/2014

The Democratic Governors’ Association sued the state of Connecticut, saying its laws on political spending are unconstitutionally broad and limit the ability of political groups to buy independent ads backing candidates. The lawsuit said the state unfairly treats independent money spent on ads and other political messages by the national group as contributions to particular candidates, and thus subject to campaign finance limits.

Missouri – Missouri Lawmakers Take Trips to Israel, California, New Orleans – On the Lobbyists’ Dime

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Kevin McDermott | Published: 4/21/2014

Industry and special interest groups spent more than $200,000 in the last three years on trips for Missouri lawmakers, according to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Records show the travel-related spending in many cases included airline tickets, hotel rooms, meals, and convention fees. While lobbyist spending is legal in Missouri, critics say the practice can create conflicts-of-interest when legislators vote on important issues. Defenders of lobbyist spending say paying for trips that provide lawmakers with valuable information is not the same as plying legislators with perks.

New York – Judge Strikes Down NY Limits on Donations to ‘Super PACs’

Reuters – Joseph Ax | Published: 4/24/2014

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Crotty struck down New York’s limits on donations to independent PACs as unconstitutional. The judge said the statutes could not survive First Amendment scrutiny in light of recent landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have lessened restrictions on political donors. Under Crotty’s ruling, super PACs can now raise unlimited funds, though committees that coordinate with parties or candidates are still subject to limits.

North Carolina – Feds Eye Ex-Mayor Cannon’s Campaign in Charlotte Corruption Probe

Charlotte Observer – Fred Clasen-Kelly and Ames Alexander | Published: 4/12/2014

As the FBI builds its public corruption case against former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, investigators are taking a close look at campaign finance records he filed with the Mecklenburg County elections board. But a Charlotte Observer review of Cannon’s campaign records since 1999 found reports with misleading, inaccurate, and missing information that makes it difficult to tell where he got much of his money.

Ohio – Lobbyists Could Spend More on Ohio Lawmakers under Proposed Legislation Billed as Ethics Reform

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) | Published: 4/23/2014

New legislation, if enacted, would make the most significant changes to Ohio’s ethics rules in two decades. Lobbyists would get to spend twice as much on lawmakers and disclose fewer expenses under the proposed bill. The measure, which Republican sponsors say they intend to introduce in May, also includes increased transparency and accountability measures, such as requiring random audits of public officials’ financial disclosure forms and posting all such forms online.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Legislative Sting’s First Suspects Were Caught, Not Targeted, Supporters of the Aborted Probe Say

Harrisburg Patriot-News – Charles Thomspon | Published: 4/16/2014

A legislative sting operation quashed by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane was much broader than originally described, and the undercover informant who recorded many conversations reached out to a racially diverse group of Democratic and Republican state lawmakers, lobbyists, and city officials, according to sources. Kane has argued that one reason she decided not to pursue the investigation was that there was an appearance of racially-based targeting of potential suspects.

Tennessee – Candidate is Treasurer of PAC Raising Money for Him

The Tennessean – Michael Cass | Published: 4/20/2014

Donors invited to a recent fundraiser for state House candidate Troy Brewer were told they could avoid disclosure on campaign finance reports by writing their checks to Leaders of Tennessee, a PAC Brewer serves as treasurer. Giving to a specific candidate through a PAC to mask the source of the funds is illegal, subject to a fine of up to $10,000. “You can’t use an intermediary to get around disclosure,” said Drew Rawlins, executive director of the state Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

County commissioners are pushing for a rewrite of the county ethics code only four years after the strict code was adopted. Commissioners complain Broward’s ethics code is too strict, setting up officials for violations and penalties for something as small as accepting a bottle of water at an event. Commissioners discussed limiting gifts to $10 and excluding nonalcoholic beverages from the ban.

The April 22 meeting was the first step towards rewriting the code, and potential changes could be enacted by the County Commission later this year, though some changes may require voter approval.

Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed Judge Jodi Remke as the new chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

Remke is currently the presiding judge of the State Bar Court, which is responsible for the discipline of attorneys.

The appointment fills a vacancy created by Ann Ravel’s appointment to the Federal Election Commission.

Lobbying

“Lobbing World” in The Hill.

“Cellphone industry picks new lobby chief” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Ronald Reagan ‘First Flack’ lobbyist Bob Gray dies” in the Washington Business Journal.

Campaign Finance

“FEC Considers Allowing Bitcoin Donations to Political Campaigns” by Dustin Volz and Alex Brown in National Journal.

“George Will: Colbert ‘Incorrigibly Wrong’ on Campaign Finance, But ‘Very Bright’” by Josh Feldman on Mediaite.

California: “Senate committee approves bills to clean up political fundraising” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.

Virginia: “Elections board moves campaign finance deadline from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.” by Markus Schmidt in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Ethics

“Ethics Office: Unnamed House Member Under Investigation” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

New Jersey: “N.J. ethics panel to investigate top Christie appointee to Port Authority” by Pil Gregory in Newsworks.

New Jersey: “Legal fees surpass Christie’s available campaign cash” by Maddie Hanna in The Inquirer.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Buying Facebook Ads Could be a Bad Call for Agencies” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.

Oregon: “State ethics panel wants to redefine who’s a journalist in Oregon” by Harry Esteve in The Oregonian.

Ohio lawmakers plan to introduce legislation next month making significant changes to state ethics rules for the first time in decades. The bill would double the amount lobbyists can spend on gifts to lawmakers but require lobbyists and public officials to report when a lobbyist spends more than $100 per year on an official for meals, entertainment, transportation, or other gifts.

State Sen. Larry Obhof, a Republican co-sponsor of the bill, maintains a higher reporting threshold is necessary to keep lobbyists honest, as many lobbyists seek to find ways to avoid the lower threshold.

Other notable legislative provisions raise the lobbyist registration fee from $25 to $35, strengthen whistle-blower protection guidelines, allow lawmakers to remedy reporting errors, require random audits of financial disclosure statements, and make changes to procedures for ethics investigations. Bill sponsors argue the bill is intended to increase transparency and accountability.

Photo of the Ohio State Capitol courtesy of Alexander Smith on Wikimedia Commons.

State senators are receiving a refresher in ethics and bills to require tougher ethics rules are advancing following a series of legal cases involving Democratic lawmakers.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg canceled committee hearings Wednesday, April 23 and ordered senators and their top aides to devote the day to ethics training.

The ethics proposals approved by a committee include a ban on fundraising during the end of legislative sessions, a reduction in the value of gifts officials may accept, and a prohibition on such items as spa treatments and golf games.

Photo of the California Senate chamber courtesy of David Monniaux on Wikimedia Commons.