February 17, 2022 •
Wisconsin Governor Calls Special Session
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 156 calling for a special session of the Wisconsin Legislature to begin Tuesday, March 8. Evers wants lawmakers to consider his plan to use a portion of the state’s $3.8 billion projected surplus to […]
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 156 calling for a special session of the Wisconsin Legislature to begin Tuesday, March 8.
Evers wants lawmakers to consider his plan to use a portion of the state’s $3.8 billion projected surplus to provide a $150 surplus refund to every Wisconsin resident, provide targeted relief for childcare and caregiver costs, and invest in education.
February 17, 2022 •
Meet our Expert – Nola Werren
Meet Nola Werren, esq., Assistant Director, Compliance Services! What are your areas of expertise? Corporate Contribution Compliance, Employee Preclearance of personal contributions, Pay-to-Play Reporting, and State Audits. How long have you been with State and Federal Communications? In May, I […]
Meet Nola Werren, esq., Assistant Director, Compliance Services!
What are your areas of expertise?
Corporate Contribution Compliance, Employee Preclearance of personal contributions, Pay-to-Play Reporting, and State Audits.
How long have you been with State and Federal Communications?
In May, I will have been with the company for 25 years.
How do you help our clients?
I make sure that if a client makes direct state corporate contributions, they are abiding by the state corporate reporting requirements. For some of our clients, I vet their corporate contributions for compliance with the states’ contribution limits, reporting requirements, restrictions on contributions during legislative session, pay-to-play restrictions and reporting requirements, and restrictions on contributions from lobbyists. For other clients, I pre-clear their employees’ personal political contributions. I ensure that clients file the required pay-to-play reports. If one of our clients is selected for a state audit of its lobbying reports, I draft the response and submit it to the auditor.
February 17, 2022 •
DC Council Calls Special Legislative Meeting About COVID-19
On February 18, a Special Legislative Meeting of the Council of the District of Columbia will be held. Chairman Phil Mendelson is calling the 13 councilmembers to come together under Council Rule 303(b) to consider legislation concerning COVID-19 vaccine mandates […]
On February 18, a Special Legislative Meeting of the Council of the District of Columbia will be held.
Chairman Phil Mendelson is calling the 13 councilmembers to come together under Council Rule 303(b) to consider legislation concerning COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the District, specifically the Public Health Protections Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2022 and the Public Health Protections Emergency Amendment Act of 2022. Nine votes are required to pass the emergency legislation. Additionally, the legislation cannot have costs associated with it.
This announcement came in part in reaction to Mayor Muriel Bowser lifting the requirement that District businesses check the vaccine status of patrons, according to WTOP News.
February 17, 2022 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Elections National: “Opposition Research Goes Hyperlocal” by Reid Epstein for New York Times Ethics National: “Sarah Palin Loses Jury Trial in Closely Watched New York Times Libel Case” by Elahe Izadi and Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Biden […]
Elections
National: “Opposition Research Goes Hyperlocal” by Reid Epstein for New York Times
Ethics
National: “Sarah Palin Loses Jury Trial in Closely Watched New York Times Libel Case” by Elahe Izadi and Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Biden Orders Release of Trump White House Logs to Congress” by Colleen Long (Associated Press) for Yahoo News
Hawaii: “Ex-Hawaii Lawmakers Plead Guilty to Taking Bribes in Office” by Jennifer Sinco Kellehe (Associated Press) for MSN
Michigan: “Michigan State Police Raid Home of Ex-Speaker Chatfield’s Top Staffers” by Craig Mauger and Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News
Ohio: “Mayor Resigns After Saying Ice-Fishing Shanties Could Lead to Prostitution” by Andrea Salcedo and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN
Ohio: “FirstEnergy Pushed for ‘Cooperative’ Utility Regulator; DeWine Heeded Its Pick” by Jake Zuckerman for Ohio Capital Journal
Lobbying
Arizona: “Republicans Look to Curb Lobbying Activities by Cities, Counties, School Districts” by Jeremy Duda for Arizona Mirror
Oklahoma: “How A State Lawmaker’s Day Job Tiptoed into Lobbying” by Jennifer Palmer for Oklahoma Watch
Tennessee: “Special Interests Spend Estimated $60 Million Every Year to Influence Tennessee State Officials” by Phil Williams for WTVF
Procurement
New Jersey: “Court Halts Union County Government Project, Ruling No-Bid $123.8M Contract Violated N.J. Law” by Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) for MSN
February 16, 2022 •
Possible Special Session on the Horizon for Montana
Montana State Flag
Gov. Greg Gianforte and Republican lawmakers announced they are looking into holding a special session to redraw Montana’s Public Service Commission districts. Gianforte asserted he will only call a special session if it is limited to the solitary topic of […]
Gov. Greg Gianforte and Republican lawmakers announced they are looking into holding a special session to redraw Montana’s Public Service Commission districts.
Gianforte asserted he will only call a special session if it is limited to the solitary topic of redrawing, but a few Republicans wish to expand the special session.
Rep. Derek Skees wishes to address “election integrity,” requesting $250,000 to create a committee to examine election security.
The schism over the scope of the special session might take the issue out of the Legislature’s hands entirely.
A lawsuit is already pending in federal court over the population imbalance within districts.
If a special session is not called to amend the deficiency, the task will be turned over to a panel of three federal judges.
If Skees can garner a majority of lawmakers for his cause, the special session can be called without the governor’s approval.
February 16, 2022 •
By-Election Called in Alberta
On March 15, a by-election will be held to elect a member to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the electoral division of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche. After a six-month wait, and on the last possible day authorized by law, […]
On March 15, a by-election will be held to elect a member to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the electoral division of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche.
After a six-month wait, and on the last possible day authorized by law, Alberta Chief Electoral Officer Glen Resler confirmed a writ was issued on February 15 to administer the election. MLA Laila Goodridge resigned in August 2021, to run for federal office. On September 20, 2021, she was elected as a Member of the Parliament in the House of Commons for Fort McMurray—Cold Lake.
Candidate nominations are now open and will end on February 25, 2022.
February 16, 2022 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “These Companies Stopped Campaign Donations to Election Objectors. Their Lobbyists Did Not.” by Emily Birnbaum, Megan Wilson, and Hailey Fuchs (Politico) for MSN Georgia: “Stacey Abrams, David Perdue Call Foul on GOP Proposal to Ban Fundraising While […]
Campaign Finance
National: “These Companies Stopped Campaign Donations to Election Objectors. Their Lobbyists Did Not.” by Emily Birnbaum, Megan Wilson, and Hailey Fuchs (Politico) for MSN
Georgia: “Stacey Abrams, David Perdue Call Foul on GOP Proposal to Ban Fundraising While Georgia Legislature Is in Session” by Vanessa Williams (Washington Post) for MSN
Massachusetts: “Michelle Wu Has Raised Over $1 Million for Her Inaugural Festivities, Most of It from Boston’s Power Brokers” by Emma Platoff (Boston Globe) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Trump’s Longtime Accountant Says His Financial Statements Cannot Be Relied Upon” by Jonathan O’Connell and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN
Canada: “Emergency Law Invoked as Canadians Mull Identity” by Catherine Porter (New York Times) for Yahoo News
Vermont: “As Ethics Bill Goes Back to the Drawing Board, Advocates Grow Weary” by Lola Dufort for VTDigger.org
Washington: “Seattle Mayor’s Phone Was Manually Set to Delete Texts” by Daniel Beekman and Lewis Kamb (Seattle Times) for Governing
Lobbying
Kentucky: “City Would Register Metro Council Lobbyists Under New Ordinance” by Marcus Green for WDRB
New Mexico: “Lobbyist Money Hidden in New Mexico Politics” by Jerry Redfern for Capital & Main
February 15, 2022 •
San Francisco Ethics Commission Announces Proposed Regulations
The San Francisco Ethics Commission will hold a special remote meeting Friday, February 25, at 10 a.m. to discuss proposed amendments to the city’s gift and ethics laws. The meeting will focus on amendments to expand the definition of who […]
The San Francisco Ethics Commission will hold a special remote meeting Friday, February 25, at 10 a.m. to discuss proposed amendments to the city’s gift and ethics laws.
The meeting will focus on amendments to expand the definition of who is a restricted source and whether the giver of an unlawful gift should be subject to penalties.
The proposed amendments clarify and remove exemptions to the gift prohibition.
If the Ethics Commission passes an ordinance by a four-fifths vote before the next general election, the commission may place the ordinance on the ballot.
February 15, 2022 •
Tallahassee, Florida Commission to Hold Ethics Workshop
The Tallahassee City Commission is holding an ethics workshop to discuss and consider several proposed changes to the city’s ethics ordinances. The proposals by the city’s Independent Ethics Board include clarifying the definition of lobbyist and expanding disclosure requirements. Other […]
The Tallahassee City Commission is holding an ethics workshop to discuss and consider several proposed changes to the city’s ethics ordinances.
The proposals by the city’s Independent Ethics Board include clarifying the definition of lobbyist and expanding disclosure requirements.
Other proposals include broadening the board’s jurisdiction and the city’s whistleblower protections.
February 15, 2022 •
Proposed Louisville Ordinance Would Regulate Lobbying
Louisville City Hall
A new city ordinance proposed by Louisville Councilmember Bill Hollander would create registration and disclosure requirements for lobbying. The measure defines a lobbyist as any person engaged to influence executive agency decisions or to promote, advocate, or oppose the passage, […]
A new city ordinance proposed by Louisville Councilmember Bill Hollander would create registration and disclosure requirements for lobbying.
The measure defines a lobbyist as any person engaged to influence executive agency decisions or to promote, advocate, or oppose the passage, modification, defeat, or executive approval or veto of any legislation by direct communication with any metro officer or any member of the staff of a metro officer.
This includes individuals employed or engaged by associations, coalitions, or public interest entities to spend a portion of their time influencing the decisions of metro officers.
Lobbyists and employers would be required to register with the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Ethics Commission within seven days of engagement.
In addition to the initial registration statement, each lobbyist and employer would have to file an updated quarterly registration statement with the Ethics Commission on the 15th day of April, July, October, and January of each year.
The required disclosures include expenditures on lobbying, as well as any financial transactions with or for the benefit of any metro officer or any member of the staff of any metro officer.
The measure also prohibits metro officers and other officials from serving as lobbyists for at least two years after leaving their position.
February 15, 2022 •
DuPage County, Illinois Repeals County Lobbying Ordinance
State Flag of Illinois
The DuPage County Board passed an ordinance to repeal the county’s lobbying ordinance. Ordinance FI-O-0014-22 repeals Chapter 2, Article IX, Section 2-600 of the DuPage County Code in recognition of Illinois Public Act 102-0664. The act requires state registration under […]
The DuPage County Board passed an ordinance to repeal the county’s lobbying ordinance.
Ordinance FI-O-0014-22 repeals Chapter 2, Article IX, Section 2-600 of the DuPage County Code in recognition of Illinois Public Act 102-0664.
The act requires state registration under the Lobbyist Registration Act by persons lobbying local officials in counties, townships, and municipalities.
The act preempts and supersedes all existing laws and ordinances inconsistent with the act, except in Chicago.
February 15, 2022 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Inside the Totally Legal, Fairly Macabre, Classically Political World of the True Zombie PACs” by Hailey Fuchs for Politico Oregon: “Rejected Campaign Finance Ideas Could Have New Life in Oregon Senate Bill” by Dirk VanderHart for OPB […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Inside the Totally Legal, Fairly Macabre, Classically Political World of the True Zombie PACs” by Hailey Fuchs for Politico
Oregon: “Rejected Campaign Finance Ideas Could Have New Life in Oregon Senate Bill” by Dirk VanderHart for OPB
Elections
National: “Democrats Push a Matchmaking Service for Tech Workers and Campaigns” by Alex Seitz-Ward for NBC News
Ethics
National: “Selling Trump: A profitable post-presidency like no other” by Shane Goldmacher and Eric Lipton (New York Times) for Yahoo News
Nevada: “Flouting Conflicts of Interest Is ‘the Nevada Way’” by Dana Gentry for Nevada Current
Lobbying
Florida: “‘Ghost Lobbyists’: Citizens for Ethics Reform calls on city to close loopholes” by Jeff Burlew (Tallahassee Democrat) for Yahoo News
West Virginia: “‘Larry and I Will Always Be Together’: Joe Manchin’s closest political ally cashes in on senator’s rise” by Theodoric Meyer and Jeff Stein (Washington Post) for MSN
Redistricting
Florida: “Gov. Ron DeSantis Scrambles Florida’s Redistricting Debate, with an Eye to 2022 and Perhaps 2024 Elections” by Colby Itkowitz, Lori Rozsa, and Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN
February 14, 2022 •
Georgia Special Election Scheduled
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a special election for Georgia House District 45 will be held on April 5 with a runoff to be held on May 3, if needed. The seat was vacated when Rep. Matt Dollar resigned […]
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a special election for Georgia House District 45 will be held on April 5 with a runoff to be held on May 3, if needed.
The seat was vacated when Rep. Matt Dollar resigned to accept a position with the Technical College System of Georgia.
February 14, 2022 •
Delaware Special Election Scheduled
A special election has been scheduled for Delaware House District 4 to be held on March 5. The seat became vacant when Rep. Gerald Brady resigned following an ethics investigation. The winner of the special election will serve the remainder […]
A special election has been scheduled for Delaware House District 4 to be held on March 5.
The seat became vacant when Rep. Gerald Brady resigned following an ethics investigation.
The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the two-year term set to expire at the end of this year.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
