National:

Fatigued by the News? Experts Suggest How to Adjust Your Media Diet
New York Times – Christopher Mele | Published: 2/1/2017

Some say it feels as if we are living inside a blizzard of news, with information constantly bombarding us. The result is a fatigue about the headlines – lately about politics – that has prompted some people to withdraw from the news, or curb their consumption of it. Experts said they had not seen data to conclude that consumers had changed their habits to protect their mental health, but added that the news ecosystem had changed drastically over the past five years, accelerating the sense of information overload. “Journalists … should be more involved in managing the insane flow of information and misinformation; it would be better if we had an approach that said, ‘Calm down,'” said media professor Dan Gillmor.

Federal:

Resistance from Within: Federal workers push back against Trump
Washington Post – Juliet Eilperin, Lisa Rein, and Marc Fisher | Published: 1/31/2017

The signs of popular dissent from President Trump’s opening volley of actions have been plain to see on the nation’s streets, at airports in the aftermath of his refu­gee and visa ban, and in the outrage on social media. But there is another level of resistance to the new president that is less visible and potentially more troublesome to the administration: a growing wave of opposition from the federal workers charged with implementing any new president’s agenda. Federal workers are in regular consultation with recently departed Obama-era political appointees about what they can do to push back against the new president’s initiatives. Some federal employees have set up social media accounts to anonymously leak word of changes that Trump appointees are trying to make. And a few government workers are pushing back more openly.

Trump Ethics Rules Curtail Lobbyists, While Also Loosening Some Obama Restrictions
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 1/28/2017

President Trump signed an executive order that strengthens certain restrictions on lobbying that had been adopted under President Obama, while weakening others. Executive branch employees, including those in the White House, will now be barred for five years after they leave government from lobbying the federal agency where they worked. Under Obama, they had to wait until the end of the administration, meaning a shorter ban for some departing officials. Former executive branch officials will now also be permanently banned from serving as foreign lobbyists.

Trump’s Campaign Paid His Businesses Millions Over Course of Campaign
Politico – Kenneth Vogel | Published: 2/1/2017

President Trump’s campaign spent a total of $12.7 million at businesses run by him and his family members over the course of the 2016 presidential election. The largest sums went to Trump’s airline, TAG Air, which received $8.7 million as Trump used his own jet to fly around the country. Another $2 million went to Trump Tower, the skyscraper that housed his campaign headquarters. The spending at Trump properties, which continued after he won the election, underscores how much he was willing to mingle his political and business operations, from buying meals at his own Trump Grill to renting space at his own golf clubs.

White House Says LGBT Protections for Federal Workers Will Remain
Washington Post – Juliet Eilperin and Sandhya Somashekhar | Published: 1/30/2017

An executive order protecting federal employees from anti-LGBTQ discrimination that was first signed in 2014 by President Barack Obama will continue under President Donald Trump, the White House said. Obama’s order expanded protections in federal hiring, which already barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, to also include gender identity. And it required all companies doing business with the federal government to have explicit policies barring discrimination against gay and transgender workers. It applies to 24,000 companies that collectively employed about 28 million workers, representing about a fifth of the U.S. workforce.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – Is It Time for a Lobbyist Union? Juneau Representative Proposes 2.5 Percent Industry Tax
Alaska Dispatch News – Nathaniel Herz | Published: 1/31/2017

Alaska Rep. Sam Kito introduced an income tax bill recently, but only for lobbyists. House Bill 91 would levy a two-and-one-half percent income tax on the annual earnings of legislative lobbyists. The measure would replace the state’s current $250 registration fee. Kito said the money raised from the tax will support the Alaska Public Offices Commission, which oversees the activity of candidates and lobbyists. He said the Legislature’s Division of Legal Services has not raised any concerns about directing the income tax at a specific group of Alaskans. The bill also calls for a $100 registration fee from anyone running for political office.

Arizona – How The Wrong Letterhead Exposed Phoenix’s Toothless Lobbying Rules
Arizona Republic – Rob O’Dell and Dustin Gardner | Published: 1/31/2017

A Phoenix law firm did not properly register as a lobbyist with the city for two years, and recently filed falsely dated documents that made it appear the firm had followed the law, according to City Attorney Brad Holm. Even though Holm determined Burch & Cracchiolo was not properly registered, he said the city cannot not take action against anyone who violates the lobbyist registration ordinance. Holm said that is because much of the lobbyist ordinance lacks an “enforcement mechanism,” a conclusion reached by the city’s law department recently.

California – Spending on Lobbying in California Tops $309 Million, the Second-Highest Amount Ever Recorded in the State
Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 2/1/2017

Interest groups spent $309 million on lobbying government officials in California last year, with the oil industry, environmental organizations, labor unions, and the health industry pouring the greatest amounts into legislative and regulatory battles. It is the second time in the state’s history that more than $300 million has been spent in a year, just short of the record $314 million paid out for lobbying in 2015. Seeing such large amounts spent by wealthy interests is a concern, public advocates say, because it reflects an effort to exert heavy influence on government officials that average citizens may not be able to match.

Massachusetts
Slots Ballot Question Backers Fines $125,000 for Campaign Finance
Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 1/27/2017

Developer Eugene McCain led the public charge to push Ballot Question 1, which would have allowed the construction of Massachusetts’ second slots parlor on property he owns near the Suffolk Downs race track in Revere. But the measure was defeated in November, and now McCain’s political committee has agreed to pay $125,000 to state campaign finance regulators for hiding the identity of the ballot measure’s backers.

Michigan – Dozens of Former State Employees Now Work for Contractors
Lansing State Journal – Justin Hinkley | Published: 1/27/2017

A Lansing State Journal investigation identified 87 former state employees in Michigan who are now working for major state contractors, consultants, or vendors, nearly half of whom started working for the contractor immediately after leaving state government. Six of those employees are now working for contractors they oversaw while employed by the state government. The investigation found no examples of quid-pro-quos, such as state employees favoring contractors to get a job. But monitoring for such problems is difficult because no one in Michigan regularly tracks where the nearly 49,000 state employees go when they leave the government workforce. Michigan is one of only nine states that do not put limits on where civil servants can work after they leave state employment.

Montana – Motl Can Remain Until Replacement Is Confirmed
Great Falls Tribune – Matt Volz (Associated Press) | Published: 2/1/2017

The Montana Supreme Court ruled that Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl’s term has expired, but he can remain in office until a successor is found. The ruling comes in a lawsuit that claimed Motl is entitled to a full six-year term ending in 2019, and not the January 1 expiration date set by Gov. Steve Bullock and confirmed by the Montana Senate. Republican legislative leaders have been seeking Motl’s removal from the office amid the dispute, and at one point tried to cut off the commissioner’s pay. Two people have submitted applications to replace Motl: his chief legal counsel, Jamie MacNaughton, and former Billings City Commissioner Michael Larson.

Oregon – Oregon Lawmakers Pay Their Businesses with Campaign Funds – It’s Legal, But Is It Ethical?
Portland Oregonian – Gordon Friedman | Published: 1/27/2017

At least 11 Oregon lawmakers have tapped campaign funds to pay their business or nonprofit in the last decade. The cash expenditures, made by Democrats and Republicans in the state House and Senate, range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. All said their payments fell within the bounds of the state’s campaign finance statute. Oregon law allows candidates to buy goods and services at “fair market value” from their own businesses with campaign funds, said state Elections Director Steve Trout. Candidates are only barred from using campaign funds to buy intangibles, like “political consultancy or advising,” he said. But it appears two lawmakers may have done just that.

South Dakota – South Dakota Senate Sends Ethics Law Repeal to Governor
ABC News – James Nord (Associated Press) | Published: 2/1/2017

South Dakota lawmakers passed a bill that repeals Initiated Measure 22, a voter approved plan that instituted a public campaign finance system, created a state ethics commission, and tightened campaign finance and lobbying laws. Republican lawmakers contend those provisions are unconstitutional. They challenged the overhaul in state court, which put the initiative on hold while the case moves forward. An emergency provision means the bill would take effect immediately and could not be referred back it to the ballot. Lawmakers have filed proposals that would supplant provisions of the initiative, including similar restrictions on lobbyist gifts and more limited watchdog commissions.

Tennessee – In Tennessee, Lobbyists’ Employers Face Few Disclosure Rules
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher | Published: 1/28/2017

Tennessee law allows companies and organizations to report how much they paid lobbyists and how much they spent on other related expenditures as a range, not specific amounts. State law also does not require those companies to provide additional details about what money is spent on or who they were trying to influence. Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Executive Director Drew Rawlins said companies do not need to provide any receipts or detailed accounting information on their semi-annual reports. While laws regulating lobbyists in other states vary, most require far more information from those employing lobbyists.

West Virginia – Potential Conflicts Also Issue for New WV Commerce Secretary
Charleston Gazette – Andrew Brown | Published: 1/31/2017

Woody Thrasher, West Virginia’s new secretary of the Department of Commerce, owns one of the largest engineering firms in the state and he still has to figure out what to do with his businesses now that he has joined state government. This is the first time Thrasher is serving in public office, but it is not the first time his private firm and other companies have interacted with the Department of Commerce and the state’s executive branch. Thrasher said he is removing himself from the day-to-day operations of his businesses but suggests he is not giving up his ownership.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

Arizona: “How The Wrong Letterhead Exposed Phoenix’s Toothless Lobbying Rules” by Rob O’Dell and Dustin Gardner for Arizona Republic

Arkansas: “Bill Would Let Foreigners Foot Bill for Some Lawmaker Travel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online

Campaign Finance

South Carolina: “Upstate’s Judge’s Race Raises Judicial Ethics Question” by John Monk for The State

Washington: “Seattle Candidates Already on Hunt for ‘Democracy Vouchers’” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times

Ethics

“Trump Aide’s Deal with Chinese Firm Raises Fear of Tangled Interests” by Sharon LaFraniere, Michael Forsythe, and Alexandra Stevenson for New York Times

“Resistance from Within: Federal workers push back against Trump” by Juliet Eilperin, Lisa Rein, and Marc Fisher for Washington Post

Montana: “Campaign Regulator Can Remain Until Replacement Is Confirmed” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for McClatchyDC.com

South Dakota: “South Dakota Senate Sends Ethics Law Repeal to Governor” by James Nord for Associated Press

West Virginia: “Potential Conflicts Also Issue for New WV Commerce Secretary” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Gazette

Elections

“Trump Rattles Statehouse Order” by David Siders for Politico

Procurement

“White House Says LGBT Protections for Federal Workers Will Remain” by Juliet Eilperin and Sandhya Somashekhar for Washington Post

Tech and Social Media

“Fatigued by the News? Experts Suggest How to Adjust Your Media Diet” by Christopher Mele for New York Times

House Bill 91 was introduced yesterday to require Alaska’s legislative lobbyists to pay a 2.5 percent tax on income earned from lobbying activities.

As introduced, the proceeds from the tax would be appropriated to the Alaska Public Offices Commission, which is the state agency tasked with regulating lobbyists. If passed, House Bill 91 would take effect January 1, 2018.

Lobbying

“Is It Time for a Lobbyist Union? Juneau Representative Proposes 2.5 Percent Industry Tax” by Nathaniel Herz for Alaska Dispatch News

“Richard Corcoran: Rick Scott’s ethics proposals not personal” by Jim Rusica for Florida Politics

“Senate Committee Compares House and Senate Bills on Lobbyist Gift Restrictions” by Benjamin Peters for Missouri Times

Ethics

“Trump Fires Acting Attorney General Who Defied Him” by Michael Shear, Mark Landler, Matt Apuzzo, and Eric Lichtblau for New York Times

“Two Applicants Seek to Replace Jon Motl as Commissioner of Political Practices” by Troy Carter for Bozeman Daily Chronicle

“Voters to Decide If Crooked State Pols Lose Pensions” by Matthew Hamilton for Albany Times Union

“In Letter, Justice Again Tries to Address Conflicts of Interest” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Gazette

Legislative Issues

“Don’t Like the Ballot Measure Voters Approved? Just Ignore It, Some Lawmakers Say.” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing

Redistricting

“Court to Wisconsin Republicans: Redraw election maps” by Jason Stein for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Lobbying

“Trump’s Trade Pick May Face Hurdle Over Past Lobbying for Brazil” by Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com

“Trump Ethics Rules Curtail Lobbyists, While Also Loosening Some Obama Restrictions” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

Tennessee: “In Tennessee, Lobbyists’ Employers Face Few Disclosure Rules” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean

Campaign Finance

“Trudeau to End Controversial Cash-for-Access Fundraisers” by Robin Fife and Steven Chase for The Globe and Mail

Ethics

“Countries Where Trump Does Business Are Not Hit by New Travel Restrictions” by Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

Missouri: “On the Trail: Greitens banking on lawmakers to pass tighter ethics rules” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio

Oklahoma: “Evidence Shows EMSA Had Contractor Make Political Donations, Government Says” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Elections

“Koch Network Could Serve as Potent Resistance in Trump Era” by Matea Gold and James Hohmann for Washington Post

“As Democrats Take to the Streets, Lawmakers Rush to Keep Up” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times

See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!

National:

Angry Democrats Study the Tea Party’s Playbook
New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 1/23/2017

Eight years after Republicans united after a stinging electoral defeat to oppose President Barack Obama, Democrats are channeling an even deeper anxiety over President Trump into a newfound burst of organizing. Party leaders, eyeing the recent huge protests and growing worries over the promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act, are hoping to recreate the mass movement that sprang up in 2009 and swept Republicans to power in the House and in governor’s races across the country – a tea party equivalent from the left.

Report Cites Growing Corruption, Sees Link with Rising Populism
Reuters – Andrea Shalal | Published: 1/25/2017

Those who turn to populist politicians that promise to upset the status quo and end corruption may only be feeding the problem, a watchdog group warned. Transparency International said in its annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2016 that in countries with populist or autocratic leaders, “instead of tackling crony capitalism, those leaders usually install even worse forms of corrupt systems.”

Federal:

At Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, the Price for Joining the ‘Winter White House’ Has Doubled
Washington Post – Drew Harwell | Published: 1/25/2017

Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach resort owned by the Trump Organization, doubled its new-member fee to $200,000 following the election of Donald Trump as president. Mar-a-Lago has assumed a prized role in Trump’spresidency, rivaling Trump Tower as a focal point of his lifestyle and ambitions. The price jump was slammed by watchdogs, who have criticized Trump’ lack of separation between his private finances and public power. Asked if having Trump in the White House has meant greater interest in outsiders joining the club –  including people who might want access to the president – Bernd Lembcke, the managing director of the club, said, “t enhances it.”

Companies Drafting Emergency Plans for Trump Tweets
The Hill – Megan Wilson and Melanie Zanona | Published: 1/19/2017

President Donald Trump has used social media to criticize American businesses, often for off-shoring jobs or manufacturing facilities, and many expect him to keep up the broadsides in the Oval Office. Being attacked by Trump is not only bad publicity but also it can also cause a sudden drop in a company’s stock price. Businesses that have yet to tangle with Trump are fearful they might be next, and have turned to consultants and lobbyists in Washington, D.C. to prepare for the possibility.

Lawmakers Admonish Ethics Official Over Tweets About Trump
Business Insider – Matthew Daley (Associated Press) | Published: 1/23/2017

Lawmakers from both parties admonished a federal ethics official who sent a series of tweets commenting on President Donald Trump’s potential conflicts-of-interest. Members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee said the tweets by Walter Shaub Jr., director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), were inappropriate and could compromise the agency’s objectivity. Committee Chairperson Jason Chaffetz called Shaub’s comments “highly unethical” and summoned him to a closed-door meeting. Chaffetz and committee Democrats also met with Shaub for more than an hour, an unusual meeting prompted by Republicans’ frustration with the ethics office and its operations, rather than Trump.

Liberal Watchdog Group Sues Trump, Alleging He Violated Constitutional Ban
Washington Post – David Fahrenthold and Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 1/23/2017

To fight what it called a “grave threat” to the country, a watchdog group filed a lawsuit alleging President Donald Trump is violating the Constitution by allowing his business to accept payments from foreign governments. The lawsuit claims Trump is violating a clause in the Constitution that prohibits him from receiving money from diplomats for stays at his hotels or foreign governments for leases of office space in his buildings. The language in the clause is disputed by legal experts, and some think the suit will fail, but it signaled the start of a legal assault by Trump critics on what they see as unprecedented conflicts between his business and the presidency.

Trump’s Flashy Executive Actions Could Run Aground
Politico – Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Seung Min Kim | Published: 1/25/2017

The breakneck pace of President Donald Trump’s executive orders might please his supporters, but critics are questioning whether the documents are being rushed through without the necessary review from agency experts and lawmakers who will bear the burden of actually carrying them out. People familiar with Trump’s planning say he wanted daily events to show supporters he would follow through on his campaign agenda, but the process is playing out chaotically. Inside the West Wing, it is almost impossible for some aides to know what is in the executive orders, staffers say. They have been written by Stephen Miller, the senior adviser for policy, and Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist, according to people familiar with the matter. By contrast, the Obama White House ran executive orders through a painstaking process of soliciting feedback from agencies and briefing lawmakers.

We Rely on the Government for Lots of Data. What Happens to That in the Era of ‘Alternative Facts’?
Washington Post – Mark Berman | Published: 1/23/2017

For wary journalists, it seemed only a matter of time before Donald Trump’s presidency would lead to a standoff between his administration and the news media. On the first weekend of the administration, Trump declared himself in “a running war with the media” and the president’s press secretary, Sean Spicer, used his first appearance on the White House podium to deliver a fiery jeremiad against the press. Worse, many journalists said, were the falsehoods that sprang from the lips of both Trump and Spicer. False statements, lies, and evasions are not unique to any one politician or political operative, nor are they the province solely of those who work in politics. But they take on an unmistakably different tenor when delivered with the imprimatur of the federal government, something that remains true even given the times government agencies and officials have been dishonest with the American people.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – As Clock Ticked Toward Session, Alaska Lawmakers Turned to Lobbyists for Cash
Alaska Dispatch News – Nathaniel Herz | Published: 1/22/2017

While state law prohibits Alaska lawmakers from collecting campaign money during the legislative session, fundraisers held on the eve of the session have long been a tradition in Juneau. Lobbyists are banned from donating directly to legislative candidates, except those seeking to represent the lobbyist’s own House or Senate district. But they can give thousands of dollars at the pre-session events, which technically raise money for party committees, not lawmakers’ campaigns, though the parties often distribute cash to the campaigns of individual legislators.

Colorado – Colorado Ethics Commission Tells Aurora Councilwoman to Follow State Ethics Rules Because of Job
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 1/23/2017

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission said a state employee who also serves as an Aurora City Council member should follow Amendment 41 rather than her city’s less-stringent gift rules. Councilperson Angela Lawson works by day as the lobbyist program manager in the secretary of state’s office. She has been waiting more than a year for an advisory opinion following her election in November 2015. The request was delayed after the commission decided first to sort out how to approach home-rule cities that have their own ethics codes and do not follow the state’s Amendment 41, passed by voters in 2006. The ethics panel issued a recent position statement on the issue sparking outcry from the Colorado Municipal League and local government attorneys.

Florida – Lee Clerk Wants Audit of County Lobby Logs
The News-Press – Patricia Borns | Published: 1/24/2017

Clerk of Court Linda Doggett plans to audit Lee County commissioners’ logs to find out if they and their staff are being transparent about their conversations with lobbyists. A media investigation of Commissioner Larry Kiker’s lobby logs found discrepancies between his calendars, emails, and text messages showing meetings and phone calls with paid and unpaid lobbyists were not always noted. A second investigation, after Kiker cleaned up the lobby log, showed the problem persisted.

New Mexico – Loophole Cuts Lobbyist Spending Reporting
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 1/19/2017

New Mexico Lobbyists and their employers spent more than $595,000 on gifts, meals, and more for lawmakers and other public officials in 2016. But that number is likely tens of thousands of dollars too low because of a loophole created during the last legislative session. That loophole removed a requirement for lobbyists to report any expenses spent on individual lawmakers below a certain threshold. Previously, lobbyists had to report all spending, itemizing expenses spent above $75 per lawmaker and aggregating expenses below $75 per lawmaker. Now lobbyists do not have to report any spending below $100 per lawmaker. That took effect July 1, 2016.

South Dakota – South Dakota Legislators Seek Hasty Repeal of Ethics Law Voters Passed
New York Times – Monica Davey and Nicholas Confessore | Published: 1/25/2017

South Dakota voters approved a ballot measure last November that would create an independent state ethics commission, impose tougher limits on campaign contributions and lobbyists’ gifts to lawmakers, increase disclosure by independent political groups, and set up a system to publicly finance elections. But the state’s Republican Legislature is racing to set aside that new law by using its emergency powers, prompting cries of protest from voters and critics, who are calling the hasty efforts an antidemocratic power grab. In effect, they say, the state’s residents are being told their votes do not matter. Lawmakers demanding repeal say the ethics regulations are irretrievably flawed and include provisions that may be unconstitutional.

Texas – Once-Dead Ethics Reforms Could Curb Lobbying Tricks, Increase Disclosures and Punish Criminal Lawmakers
Dallas News – J. David McSwane | Published: 1/25/2017

Ethics reform bills have been introduced in the Texas Legislature. Sen. Van Taylor and Rep. Charlie Geren are each filing substantial bills in their chambers, along with smaller measures dedicated to specific ethics reforms outlined in the larger bills. That scattershot approach increases the likelihood that at least some of the new regulations will reach the governor’s desk. The reforms include lowering the dollar threshold for when lobbyists must report paying for meals or transportation for officials. Lobbyists would also be required to itemize the total bill paid on behalf of elected officials or their families. This closes a loophole that allows lobbyists to split large bar and restaurant tabs, among several lobbyists to avoid reporting thresholds.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

Florida: “Lee Clerk Wants Audit of County Lobby Logs” by Patricia Borns for The News-Press

Pennsylvania: “Governor Fires Head of State Drug and Alcohol Office” by Angela Couloumbis and Karen Langley for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Texas: “Once-Dead Ethics Reforms Could Curb Lobbying Tricks, Increase Disclosures and Punish Criminal Lawmakers” by J. David McSwane for Dallas News

Campaign Finance

California: “Contra Costa DA Slapped with $45,000 Fine as Criticism Builds” by Nate Gartrell for East Bay Times

Ethics

“An Early Test of Trump’s Ethics Pledge Is a Glittering New Foreign Tower” by Drew Harwell, Alan Freeman, and Jenny Peng for Washington Post

“White House, Trump Organization Name Ethics Advisers” by Bernard Condon and Chad Day (Associated Press) for WRAL

Utah: “Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes’ Name Dragged into the Criminal Case of Former A.G. John Swallow” by Jennifer Dobner and Tom Harvey for Salt Lake Tribune

Elections

“Trump Seeks ‘Major Investigation’ into Unsupported Claims of Voter Fraud” by Jenna Johnson and Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

Legislative Issues

Nebraska: “Nebraska Lawmaker Quits After Unsavory Women’s March Tweet” by Grant Schulte (Associated Press) for ABC News

South Carolina: “South Carolina Lawmaker Accused of Beating His Wife Resigns” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) for ABC News

Lobbying

“Lobbyists Expect Boom Times under Trump” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Campaign Finance

“Condos, Donovan Tackle Campaign Finance Together” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org

Ethics

“Trump Is Said to Keep James Comey as F.B.I. Director” by Michael Schmidt and Adam Goldman for New York Times

“Lawmakers Admonish Ethics Official Over Tweets About Trump” by Matthew Daley (Associated Press) for Business Insider

Colorado: “Colorado Ethics Commission Tells Aurora Councilwoman to Follow State Ethics Rules Because of Job” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

Kentucky: “Richie Farmer’s Girlfriend Drops Ethics Appeal” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

Minnesota: “After Shocking Collapse, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton Announces He Has Prostate Cancer” by Samantha Schmidt and Lindsey Bever for Washington Post

South Dakota: “South Dakota Republicans Are About to Get Rid of the State’s First Independent Ethics Commission” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post

Elections

“Angry Democrats Study the Tea Party’s Playbook” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Massachusetts: “Legislative Leaders Aiming for 40 Percent Pay Hikes” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Lobbying

Alaska: “As Clock Ticked Toward Session, Alaska Lawmakers Turned to Lobbyists for Cash” by Nathaniel Herz for Alaska Dispatch News

New Mexico: “Loophole Cuts Lobbyist Spending Reporting” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth

Ethics

“After Ethics Review, Senate Postpones Committee Vote for Betsy DeVos” by Danielle Douglas-Gabriel for Washington Post

“We Rely on the Government for Lots of Data. What Happens to That in the Era of ‘Alternative Facts’?” by Mark Berman for Washington Post

“Liberal Watchdog Group Sues Trump, Alleging He Violated Constitutional Ban” by David Fahrenthold and Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

Pennsylvania: “Ex-Mayor Reed Admits Carelessness, Not Criminality, in Pleading Guilty to Stealing City Artifacts” by Matt Miller for Harrisburg Patriot-News

Rhode Island: “Gallison to Admit Stealing from a Friend, the Poor and a Disabled Client” by Tom Mooney for Providence Journal

Redistricting

“Supreme Court Won’t Review Texas Voter Law Found to Discriminate Against Minorities” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post

Lobbying

“Companies Drafting Emergency Plans for Trump Tweets” by Megan Wilson and Melanie Zanona for The Hill

Ethics

“Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry into Trump Associates” by Michael Schmidt, Matthew Rosenberg, Adam Goldman, and Matt Apuzzo for The New York Times

California: “Former L.A. Coliseum Executive at the Center of Corruption Scandal Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation” by Melissa Gerber for Los Angeles Times

California: “Short-Staffed SF Ethics Panel’s Backlog of Cases Growing” by Emily Green for San Francisco Chronicle

Maryland: “Hogan Proposes Maryland Government Ethics Reforms” by Pamela Wood for The Baltimore Sun

Rhode Island: “Ex-R.I. Rep. Palumbo Charged with Embezzling; 2nd Ex-Lawmaker Arrested in a Week” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal

Legislative Issues

Maryland: “Hogan Seeks Background Checks for Appointed Lawmakers” by Pamela Wood and Erin Cox for The Baltimore Sun

Campaign Finance

“With Morale in Tatters, Federal Election Commission Eyes Changes” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

“‘Soft Money’ Era Not Back Yet as Few Companies Contribute” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

Pennsylvania: “In First Act, New Pa. Treasurer Cracks Down on Pay-to-Play Fees” by Craig McCoy and Mark Fazlollah for Philadelphia Inquirer

Elections

“From Headline to Photograph, a Fake News Masterpiece” by Scott Shane for The New York Times

Gov. Larry Hogan introduced several legislative acts to state lawmakers on January 19, 2017, including the Public Integrity Act, the Liquor Board Reform Act, and the Legislative Transparency Act. The bills are seen as a reaction to conspiracy and bribery scandals lawmakers were involved with in 2016.

If approved, the Public Integrity Act would keep lawmakers from using legislation to help their own businesses, and also prohibit legislators, appointees, and other staff from working as a lobbyist within a year of exiting their posts. The Liquor Board Reform Act would require state senators to make the committee nominations. And, under the Legislative Transparency Act, the House and Senate would have to stream their sessions live via video. Currently, the sessions are live, but just in audio format.

See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!

National:

There Are Huge Holes in How the U.S. States Investigate Politicians’ Conflicts of Interest
Washington Post – John Wihbey, Mike Beaudet, and Pedro Miguel Cruz | Published: 1/11/2017

Ethics and disclosure issues have been in the headlines lately as Donald Trump’s choices for Cabinet positions face Senate scrutiny. But what about state and local officials’ conflicts-of-interest? Researchers looked at what states require on their personal financial disclosure forms. Public officials and candidates for office must file these forms annually with ethics commissions or agencies in 47 states. The investigation found state requirements vary widely. When the forms were scored on fixed criteria, the researchers found that about 80 percent of states required little transparency, and few require enough to inform the public.

Federal:

After Trump Rebuke, Federal Ethics Chief Called to Testify Before House Lawmakers
Washington Post – Lisa Rein, Tom Hamburger, and Mike DeBonis | Published: 1/13/2017

A letter from U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, chairperson of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, to Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director Walter Shaub Jr. was viewed by many as a veiled threat to the OGE’s budget unless Shaub changes his rhetoric and approach. Shaub has questioned Donald Trump’s commitment to confront his potential conflicts-of-interest. In his letter, Chaffetz accused Shaub of “blurring the line between public relations and official ethics guidance,” and asked him to appear before lawmakers in a closed-door, transcribed interview. Ethics lawyers from both parties said the OGE plays an important role, and dismantling it or reducing its authority would be a blow to avoiding conflicts in a new administration and enforcing basic standards of ethics and transparency.

‘Kompromat’ and the Danger of Doubt and Confusion in a Democracy
New York Times – Amanda Taub | Published: 1/15/2017

Since the emergence of an unverified, salacious claims about Donald Trump, Americans have debated the ramifications of the arrival of “kompromat” as a feature of U.S. politics. The debates have often framed this practice as little more than a political form of blackmail, and one particular to Russia. In fact, kompromat is more than an individual piece of damaging information; it is a broader attempt to manufacture public cynicism and confusion in ways that target not just one individual but an entire society. And although this practice tends to be associated with Russia – the word kompromat is a portmanteau of the Russian words for “compromising” and “information” – it is a common feature of authoritarian and semi-authoritarian nations around the world.

The Trump Lobbying Purge That Wasn’t
Politico – Maggie Severns and Isaac Arnsdorf | Published: 1/18/2017

Despite Donald Trump’s efforts to keep lobbyists out of his administration, they have continued to offer policy advice, recommend job candidates, and contribute money to his transition team. And while they are barred from donating to the inaugural festivities, lobbyists have been collecting checks on Trump’s behalf. The loopholes in Trump’s restrictions are so widespread that many lobbyists said they have concluded his ethics rules are not really meant to change how business is done in Washington.

Trump’s Administration Will Regulate Trump’s Businesses, Raising Prospect of Conflicts
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Drew Harwell, and Tom Hamburger | Published: 1/15/2017

When Donald Trump takes office, he will assume control of a federal bureaucracy with enormous power to bolster nearly every corner of his real estate, licensing, and merchandising empire, and enhance his personal fortune. Trump announced steps he and his lawyers said would provide adequate safeguards to separate his business from government. He said he will shift assets into a trust that will be managed by his sons. Providing few specifics, he promised no new foreign deals and said the company would adopt new internal systems to scrutinize potentially problematic domestic transactions. But Trump and his lawyers did not address how his administration will approach the range of regulatory actions and other decisions that could directly touch the business.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – State Watchdog Agency Investigating after Times Report on Political Donations
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser | Published: 1/12/2017

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has launched an investigation into political contributions connected to the developer of a Harbor Gateway apartment project. The FPPC opened its probe after receiving a letter from a Los Angeles Times reader, who pointed to the newspaper’s investigation into donors with ties to Samuel Leung, developer of the Sea Breeze project. The Times reported that donors linked directly or indirectly to Leung gave more than $600,000 to support 11 Los Angeles-area politicians as Sea Breeze was being reviewed at City Hall. Several people who are listed as campaign contributors said they could not remember making those donations or denied doing so. Campaign finance experts said those responses raised questions about whether someone else had provided the money, a practice that would violate the law.

Colorado – Colorado Ethics Commission Puts Denver, Aurora and Other Cities on Notice in Turf Battle Over Gift Rules
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 1/14/2017

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission said it will consider hearing complaints against officials and employees if the panel finds their local ethics codes to be less restrictive than Amendment 41, which set a $50 gift limit (now $59) and banned even free drinks from lobbyists. That posture could affect Denver and more than 70 other home-rule cities and towns that were established by charters and have local ethics rules they view as sufficient to opt out of Amendment 41. Many of those lack similarly firm catch-all gift bans and set higher maximum values on allowed meals, event tickets and other things considered gifts – or do not set dollar limits at all.

Massachusetts – Could Lobbying Rules Have Saved Boston from Ill-Fated Grand Prix?
Boston Globe – Andrew Ryan | Published: 1/18/2017

After a year of no action and revelations about well-connected lobbyists pushing the Boston Grand Prix project forward, lobbying reform in the city is advancing. A member of Mayor Martin Walsh’s staff described the plan during a hearing of the city council committee hearing. For the first time, it would require lobbyists working to register and disclose where their payments come from, among other provisions. Failing to register could lead to daily fines.

Missouri – House Passes HB 60 to Limit Lobbyist Gifts
Missouri Times – Benjamin Peters | Published: 1/17/2017

The Missouri House passed a bill that sets a limit on lobbyist gifts to elected officials. House Bill 60 was approved by a vote of 149 to five. There are exceptions in the legislation. Lobbyists would be able to provide paid dinners to the entire General Assembly, providing they give a 72-hour notice and the meal is in Missouri. The bill now moves to the state Senate.

New Mexico – Leadership Shift Sparks Hope for Supporters of Campaign Finance Reform
New Mexio In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 1/15/2017

Critics say some provisions of New Mexico’s campaign finance law are unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. Inconsistencies and loopholes in the statute make following the trail of money in politics difficult. And the law fails to acknowledge the recent rise of money flowing into campaigns from independent groups. But following years of attempting to update the campaign finance law, 2017 could be the year for reform, with a new secretary of state and new legislative leaders.

New Mexico – Will Independent Ethics Oversight Catch On in 2017?
New Mexico In Depth – Trip Jennings | Published: 1/16/2017

New Mexico lawmakers over the last decade have balked at creating an independent ethics commission even as a parade of elected and appointed public officials stood accused of corruption and, in some cases, were convicted of crimes. Viki Harrison, executive director of Common Cause New Mexico and a perennial supporter of ethics legislation, came up with an analogy: “Groundhog Day,” a movie in which the main character is forced to repeat the same day over and over again. Harrison hopes the 2017 legislative session will break the cycle, and on the surface the odds in Santa Fe appear favorable.

North Dakota – How a Mother-in-Law Inspired a Bill to Protect Drivers
Washington Post – Cleve Wootson Jr. | Published: 1/17/2017

Proposed legislation in North Dakota would protect some drivers from the legal consequences of running over a pedestrian protester. Rep. Keith Kempenich said his bill is a response to demonstrators blocking a highway as part of a protest over the proposed North Dakota Access pipeline. It is part of a slew of legislative measures that Republican lawmakers have written to combat the protests they say have disrupted life in and around the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. “This bill puts the onus on somebody who’s made a conscious decision to put themselves in harm’s way; you can protest all you want, but you can’t protest up on a roadway – it’s dangerous for everybody,” said Kempenich.

Pennsylvania – DA Williams Fined $62,0000 for Ethics Violations
Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 1/17/2017

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams must pay $62,000 in fines for failing to disclose gifts and source of income, according to a settlement approved by the city’s Board of Ethics. The penalty is the largest imposed by the board in its 10-year history. The agreement also requires Williams to pay another $2,840, the value of the prohibited gifts he accepted. In August, Williams amended his statements of financial interests for 2010 to 2015, listing $160,050 in previously unreported gifts, including home repairs, airfare, and lodgings for vacations, cash, and gift cards, and Philadelphia Eagles sideline passes.

Tennessee – House Lawmakers Must Disclose Political Junkets
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert | Published: 1/12/2017

The Tennessee House adopted a new ethics rule that requires lawmakers to disclose any expense-paid travel out of the state that is valued at more than $100. The Legislature has long posted the costs of state-paid travel on its website, but trips paid for by private parties did not have to be publicly disclosed. The change follows reports by The Tennessean about a five-day “”act finding” mission to Europe paid by a Republican donor about what he calls the dangers of radical Islam, and two trips for lawmakers paid for by school voucher advocates. Those trips did not have to be reported because they were not paid for by lobbyists.

Virginia – Lengthy New Ethics Bill Targets Redskin Tickets Loophole
The Daily Press – Travis Fain | Published: 1/16/2017

The General Assembly will tinker with Virginia’s ethics laws for the fourth year in a row, zeroing in, among other things, on a loophole that lets officials accept free football tickets. The bills also include a long list of other tweaks, many meant to simplify the implementation of reforms that lawmakers first passed in 2014 as a response to former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s gift scandal. One change would exempt meals provided by non-profits at conferences from the state’s $100 gift limit. Another would clarify that legitimate birthday gifts from personal friends do not violate the cap, even if that friend is a lobbyist.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.