Elections Elections National: “Trump’s Attacks on Mail Voting Are Turning Republicans Off Absentee Ballots” by Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Maine: “Hemmed in by the Pandemic, Collins Battles for Survival in Maine” by Emily Cochrane (New […]
Elections
Elections
National: “Trump’s Attacks on Mail Voting Are Turning Republicans Off Absentee Ballots” by Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN
Maine: “Hemmed in by the Pandemic, Collins Battles for Survival in Maine” by Emily Cochrane (New York Times) for Boston Globe
Wisconsin: “Appeals Court Reverses Wisconsin Voting Restrictions Rulings” by Todd Richmond for AP News
Ethics
National: “Facebook’s Own Civil Rights Auditors Said Its Policy Decisions Are a ‘Tremendous Setback’” by Elizabeth Dwoskin and Kat Zakrzewski for Washington Post
California: “Former L.A. Councilman Mitchell Englander Pleads Guilty in City Hall Corruption Case” by David Zahniser and Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Ohio: “Toledo Council President Ends Meeting after Charged Members Refuse to Leave” by Kate Snyder and Sarah Elms for Toledo Blade
Pennsylvania: “Delco Council Gives Preliminary OK to Gift Ban” by Kathleen Carey for Delaware County Times
Lobbying
Arizona: “Secretary of State: Goldwater Institute attorneys should have registered as lobbyists” by Jeremy Duda for Arizona Mirror
Gov Tim Walz, with Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan - by Lorie Shaull
Gov. Tim Walz announced on July 7, he intends to call lawmakers back for an open-ended session beginning July 13. Walz stated the session will coincide with the 30-day extension of the peacetime emergency ending July 12, and added that […]
Gov. Tim Walz announced on July 7, he intends to call lawmakers back for an open-ended session beginning July 13.
Walz stated the session will coincide with the 30-day extension of the peacetime emergency ending July 12, and added that other issues should get top billing.
Walz is obligated by law to call a special session for the Legislature to approve the emergency declaration.
The Senate tried to revoke the governor’s executive power during the first special session ending June 19.
However, the attempt failed because it requires the vote of both chambers.
In the first special session, no deals were reached on legislation both parties said was necessary and everything will be on the agenda again.
The Legislature will determine the length of the session.
Elections National: “Convention Jitters Grip Democrats” by Holly Otterbein for Politico National: “Social Media Platforms Gird for 78 Days of Disinformation Chaos after Election Day” by Gopal Ratnam for Roll Call Florida: “Appeals Court Stops Judge’s Order Granting Florida Felons […]
Elections
National: “Convention Jitters Grip Democrats” by Holly Otterbein for Politico
National: “Social Media Platforms Gird for 78 Days of Disinformation Chaos after Election Day” by Gopal Ratnam for Roll Call
Florida: “Appeals Court Stops Judge’s Order Granting Florida Felons Right to Vote” by Lawrence Mower for Tampa Bay Times
Ethics
National: “Trump’s Worldview Forged by Neglect and Trauma at Home, His Niece Says in New Book” by Shane Harris and Michael Kranish for Washington Post
National: “When Washington Helped Small Business, Washington Was Helped” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
Canada: “Ethics Watchdog to Examine Trudeau Over WE Charity Contract, Since Reversed” by Jordan Press (Canadian Press) for MSN
Maryland: “MoCo Employee Admits to Lapses in Ethics; Must Pay $5K Fine” by Alessia Grunberger (Patch) for MSN
Lobbying
California: “Santa Barbara Grand Jury Blasts County Supervisors Over Marijuana Industry” by Joe Mozingo for Los Angeles Times
Redistricting
Michigan: “Federal Judge Throws Out Republican Lawsuit Against Michigan Redistricting Commission” by Malachi Barrett for MLive.com
The James R. Thompson Center - Ken Lund
The Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau sent a notice stating the requirements for registration and reporting of lobbyist activities will not be applicable to the upcoming special session. To prevent potential spread of the coronavirus, access to the legislative building during […]
The Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau sent a notice stating the requirements for registration and reporting of lobbyist activities will not be applicable to the upcoming special session.
To prevent potential spread of the coronavirus, access to the legislative building during the special session will be limited to legislators, essential staff and a small press pool.
The Legislature’s website and YouTube channel will both host livestreams of all floor sessions and committee meetings.
In addition, the teleconference system will allow individuals to call in to participate in the legislative process.
The Legislators will receive written comments made available through submission by email, fax and mail.
Oakland, California - by James BeBop
The Oakland Public Ethics Commission has launched the OAKAPPS Lobbyist Registration and Reporting System. This system allows users to register as an Oakland lobbyist, maintain a client list, enter lobbyist activity, draft disclosure reports, and submit them online. It is […]
The Oakland Public Ethics Commission has launched the OAKAPPS Lobbyist Registration and Reporting System.
This system allows users to register as an Oakland lobbyist, maintain a client list, enter lobbyist activity, draft disclosure reports, and submit them online.
It is available at https://apps.oaklandca.gov/OakApps/OakApps.aspx.
In order to use the system, a user name and password is needed.
For questions about using this new system, please contact the Oakland Public Ethics Commission at ethicscommission@oaklandca.gov or 510-238-3593.
Campaign Finance National: “How the Republican Convention Created Money Woes in Two Cities” by Annie Karni, Rebecca Ruiz, and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for MSN Elections National: “States Can Punish ‘Faithless’ Electors, Supreme Court Rules” by Josh Gerstein and […]
Campaign Finance
National: “How the Republican Convention Created Money Woes in Two Cities” by Annie Karni, Rebecca Ruiz, and Kenneth Vogel (New York Times) for MSN
Elections
National: “States Can Punish ‘Faithless’ Electors, Supreme Court Rules” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney for Politico
Alabama: “Supreme Court Blocks Curbside Voting in Alabama” by Kim Chandler for AP News
Ethics
California: “Real Estate Firm Puts Executive on Leave Amid Jose Huizar Pay-to-Play Probe” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission in Transition as Executive Director, Commissioner Exit” by Phil Kabler (Charleston Gazette-Mail) for Huntington Herald-Dispatch
Lobbying
National: “Trump Vowed to ‘Drain the Swamp,’ but Lobbyists Are Still Thriving in It” by Kenneth Vogel, Michael La Forgia, and Haley Fuchs for New York Times
National: “Prince Andrew Sought Washington Lobbyist to Help with Epstein Case” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
Louisiana: “Louisiana’s Cap on Lobbyist Wining and Dining Edges Up a Bit” by Staff for AP News
New Jersey: “COVID-19 Has Changed Trenton Lobbying in Many Ways, from Remote Conversations to Clients’ Priorities” by Brett Johnson for roi-nj.com
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot - MacLean Center
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposed amendment to the lobbying ordinance has been stalled. The stall comes after Lincoln Park Alderwoman Michele Smith, chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, said she has no plans to call Lightfoot’s ordinance for […]
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposed amendment to the lobbying ordinance has been stalled.
The stall comes after Lincoln Park Alderwoman Michele Smith, chair of the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, said she has no plans to call Lightfoot’s ordinance for a vote.
The Mayor introduced Ordinance 2020-2328 in April over concerns that the language in the original ordinance passed by City Council late last year was too broad.
Additionally, there were concerns the ordinance would force registered lobbyists to give up positions on suburban bodies in order to keep lobbying Chicago government.
The proposed amendment would allow elected officials from outside Chicago to lobby City Council, the mayor, and other city offices.
This would be allowed as long as the public body they represent does not have pending or recurring legislative or contractual matters involving the city of Chicago.
In response to Smith’s statement, a spokesman for Lightfoot stated the administration looks forward to partnering with Smith to make necessary updates to any existing lobbying policies.
Louisiana State Capitol
Lobbyists in Louisiana can now spend a bit more on wining and dining state lawmakers and other public officials. When the new budget year began July 1, the lobbying limit on food and drink for a public official edged up […]
Lobbyists in Louisiana can now spend a bit more on wining and dining state lawmakers and other public officials.
When the new budget year began July 1, the lobbying limit on food and drink for a public official edged up $1 per person, per occasion.
The new limit per person at an event is $63.
When the lobbying cap was first enacted, the limit was $50 per occasion.
However, the 2008 law that sets the limit allows annual adjustment tied to increases in the federal consumer price Index for food and beverages.
That index rose 1.8 percent in the last year.
Campaign Finance National: “Sen. Bill Cassidy’s Campaign Has Spent $5,500 on Membership Dues at Private Club in New York” by Chris Marquette for Roll Call Elections California: “San Jose City Council Narrowly Approves Ballot Measure to Expand Mayoral Powers, Give […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Sen. Bill Cassidy’s Campaign Has Spent $5,500 on Membership Dues at Private Club in New York” by Chris Marquette for Roll Call
Elections
California: “San Jose City Council Narrowly Approves Ballot Measure to Expand Mayoral Powers, Give Sam Liccardo 2 More Years” by Grace Hase for San Jose Insider
Ethics
National: “GOP Officials Flock to Parler Social Network. So Do Their Trolls and Impostors.” by Christiano Lima for Politico
National: “Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments Over Mueller’s Secret Evidence, a Delay for House Democrats Investigating President Trump” by Robert Barnes (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump’s Pick for Ambassador Involved in Racist Smear Against Black Politician” by John Hudson (Washington Post) for MSN
New Jersey: “NJ Senator Who Was Fired and Investigated by Linden Council Wants to Limit Investigations” by Stacey Barchenger for Bergen Record
Washington: “Seattle City Council Won’t Fulfill Mayor Durkan’s Request to Investigate Sawant, González Says” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
Lobbying
Illinois: “Ald. Michele Smith Keeps Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Proposed Change to Lobbying Rules on Indefinite Hold” by John Byrne for Chicago Tribune
Massachusetts: “Judge Clears Way for Former House Speaker Sal DiMasi to Lobby on Beacon Hill” by Matt Murphy (State House News Service) for MassLive.com
Toledo, Ohio skyline - by NorthernMagnolia
Toledo, Ohio Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has requested the resignation of four City Council members accused of encouraging and accepting bribes in exchange for votes. Yvonne Harper (District 4), Tyrone Riley (District 1), Gary Johnson (At-large), and Larry Sykes (At-large), are […]
Toledo, Ohio Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has requested the resignation of four City Council members accused of encouraging and accepting bribes in exchange for votes.
Yvonne Harper (District 4), Tyrone Riley (District 1), Gary Johnson (At-large), and Larry Sykes (At-large), are named in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court at the conclusion of a two-year FBI investigation.
The court documents detail how each of the members allegedly accepted payments in the range of $500 to $5,000 for “yes” votes on zoning requests to internet cafes.
In an official statement, Kapszukiewicz explained these members are entitled to their day in court and should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
However, he is concerned about the cloud of doubt that would rest over city government if they continue to hold office.
July 2, 2020 •
San Jose Council Approves Ballot Measure Barring Contributions and Gifts from Lobbyists
San Jose City Hall - by Daderot
The City Council approved a November ballot measure relating to contributions and gifts from lobbyists. The proposed measure would bar lobbyists from making campaign contributions. The mayor, council members, and senior administrators would also be barred from accepting gifts from […]
The City Council approved a November ballot measure relating to contributions and gifts from lobbyists.
The proposed measure would bar lobbyists from making campaign contributions.
The mayor, council members, and senior administrators would also be barred from accepting gifts from lobbyists or city contractors.
The mayor and council members would also be required to sit out of any vote involving a person or entity contributing to their campaign or other cause in the last 12 months and the three months following the vote.
The proposed initiative would also give the mayor the power to hire and fire the city manager and department heads starting January 1, 2023.
The measure also includes a provision to align San Jose’s mayoral races with the presidential election cycle in an effort to increase voter turnout.
The City Council will hold a special meeting on July 28 where they will review the proposed ballot language before sending it off to the county Registrar of Voters.
Nevada State Capitol Octagonal Annex
Gov. Steve Sisolak officially called for the Nevada Legislature to convene in a special session on July 8 to address the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget crisis. At a later date, the governor’s office will issue the formal proclamation to […]
Gov. Steve Sisolak officially called for the Nevada Legislature to convene in a special session on July 8 to address the state’s fiscal year 2021 budget crisis.
At a later date, the governor’s office will issue the formal proclamation to convene the special session.
Gov. Sisolak and legislative leadership are working to assess potential additional items to be included in any special session proclamation.
These additions will be including policy proposals related to criminal and social justice reform.
Furthermore, the governor acknowledged the start date could change based on public health conditions.
The public will be able to watch the floor sessions and committee meetings via the Legislature’s livestreams.
Finally, those who wish to participate will be able to teleconference or submit written comments.
This does affect ALERTS reporting.
A lobbyist activity report will be due between the first and tenth of the month after each month the Legislature in in a special session.
New Hampshire State House - AlexiusHoratius
On June 30, the New Hampshire General Court adjourned their legislative session. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislative session was abbreviated and conducted away from the State House for the first time in over 150 years. During the shortened […]
On June 30, the New Hampshire General Court adjourned their legislative session.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislative session was abbreviated and conducted away from the State House for the first time in over 150 years.
During the shortened session, the Legislature passed bills relating to police reform, absentee voting, and drug importation.
The Legislature will discuss any bills vetoed by the governor when it is expected to reconvene later this fall.
Elections National: “Hickenlooper Rolls to Victory in Colorado Senate Primary” by James Arkin and Ally Mutnick for Politico Florida: “A Lawsuit to Kick Carlos Gimenez Off the Ballot for Congress Continues – For Now” by Alex Daugherty for Miami Herald […]
Elections
National: “Hickenlooper Rolls to Victory in Colorado Senate Primary” by James Arkin and Ally Mutnick for Politico
Florida: “A Lawsuit to Kick Carlos Gimenez Off the Ballot for Congress Continues – For Now” by Alex Daugherty for Miami Herald
Ethics
National: “A Common Thread Among Many Trump Press Staffers: They’re related to other Trump staffers” by Paul Fahri (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “A Dozen Donors Paid Nearly $480,000 in Legal Fees for Pence in Mueller Inquiry, New Filing Shows” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Human Rights Groups Turn Their Sights on Trump’s America” by Nahal Toosi for Politico
Ohio: “Federal Agents Charge Four Toledo City Council Members in Bribery Probe” by Allison Dunn and Sarah Elms for Toledo Blade
Ohio: “‘The World Will Never Break Me.’ Tamaya Dennard Pleads Guilty; Sentencing Coming Later.” by Sharon Coolidge and Kevin Grasha for Cincinnati Enquirer
Lobbying
North Carolina: “NC Legislators Notified After a Lobbyist Tests Positive for Coronavirus” by Lucille Sherman, Danielle Battaglia, and Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan for Raleigh News and Observer
Procurement
Canada: “Records Show Charity Closely Linked to Trudeau Has Received Multiple Sole-Source Contracts from Liberal Government” by Christopher Nardi for Canada.com
California: “Nuru Scandal Prompts New Rules for Public Works to Prevent Corruption” by Joshua Sabatini for San Francisco Examiner
