Campaign Finance

Mississippi: “MS Secretary of State Outlines Campaign Finance Reform Among His Legislative Priorities for 2025” by Pam Dankins (Mississippi Clarion Ledger) for MSN

National: “Patagonia’s Ties to Nonprofit Raise Campaign Finance Concerns” by Tony Biasotti (Ventura County Star) for Yahoo News

Elections

Ohio: “Ramaswamy Will Bow Out of Cost-Cutting Project and Run for Governor in Ohio” by Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

Colorado: “Colorado Senate Committee to Review Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Politics

National: “Trump Promotes Meme Coin, Raising Ethics Issues as Value Soars” by Tony Romm (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Justice Department Says It Will Prosecute Local Officials Over Immigration Enforcement” by Maria Sacchetti and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “American Electric Power Pays $19M to Settle with SEC Over Its HB6 Entanglement” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Trump Revokes Lobbying Ban for Biden Appointees” by Caitlin Oprysko (Politico) for Yahoo News

The first person that new State and Federal Communications, Inc. employees meet on their first day is Dave McPeek. As our Manager of Operations and Facilities, he wears many hats and one of those hats is helping to onboard new employees by showing them around the office and giving them the rundown of our digital and safety systems to get them acclimated to our environment.

Dave brings nearly 40 years of experience and a storied background in different aspects of business, programming, and computer and facility operations. Before coming to State and Federal Communications, Inc., he held roles including Operations Supervisor, Programmer, Account Manager, and Manager of Special Projects for several offices.

While Dave had already earned an accounting degree and a minor in programming during the mid-1980s, he returned to the University of Akron in the early 2000s to refocus his career path after being sidelined by a company acquisition. What began as an immersion into newer database programming technologies ultimately became an opportunity as a student to do a co-op for two semesters for State and Federal Communications, Inc.

“It was fun, and it was different,” he mused. “The excitement of the new industry and the potential within a growing company led me to accept a job offer within the IT department upon graduation.”

The company was growing and with it, the needs of the technology infrastructure, procedures, and acquiring more space within the existing building also grew.  By bringing on Dave, the small department doubled in size at the time.

“The two of us in IT did whatever needed to be done behind the scenes, whether it was with our computers, the network, or dealing with the landlord, building, and vendors. I tried to assume as much of the non-technical load as possible so the Director of Information Technology could do the heavy lifting with the programming and development he specialized in at the time.  As the company grew, the department also grew in staff to support evolving client and staff needs in the fast-moving world of technology.  With that growth, I became more focused on the non-technical work and found that I enjoyed it,” Dave explained.

While every day can be very different in Operations and Facilities, the primary focus of Dave’s days is in keeping our office environment running as smoothly, as comfortable, and as safe and in compliance as possible. He also plays a big part in any larger projects when they occur to enable other staff to remain focused on their client-related activities.  “It’s whatever needs to be done,” he explained.

Dave’s approach to the work is to ensure things around the office run as smoothly as possible so the entire staff is supported in their day-to-day responsibilities.

“I think innovation can exponentially help make sure things are working as well as possible. You innovate to improve, and everyone should benefit when done properly,” he explained.  “I see it as a win-win situation when I have an opportunity to help our staff in any way provide even a bit more of their industry-leading talents for the benefit of our clients. That is a good day.”

The State and Federal Communications, Inc. team is full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what we can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

Campaign Finance

Kentucky: “Biden Pardons Kentuckian Jerry Lundergan for Campaign Finance Conviction” by Jack Brammer (Kentucky Lantern) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Trump Signs Order to End ‘Government Censorship’ of Social Media” by Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Clemency for Oath Keepers, Proud Boys Fuels Extremism Threat, Experts Say” by Spencer Hsu, Ellie Silverman, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “DOJ Can’t Show Jack Smith’s Report on Trump Classified Docs Case to Lawmakers, Cannon Rules” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney (Politico) for MSN

Florida: “Judge Dismisses Díaz de la Portilla ‘Shakedown’ Lawsuit, Citing Legislative Immunity” by Tess Riski (Miami Herald) for MSN

Illinois: “Man Banned from Chicago Park District Jobs After Scandal Now Working for Alderman” by Jake Sheridan (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Indiana: “3 More Women Accuse Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of Sexual Misconduct” by Hayleigh Colombo, Tony Cook, and Kayla Dwyer (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Wyoming: “Wyoming’s Money Managers Fear Losses from Freedom Caucus’ Investment Restrictions” by Andrew Graham for WyoFile

The Minnesota Supreme Court canceled a special election for House District 40B set for January 28. The court agreed with Republicans who claimed Gov. Walz scheduled the election too soon, ruling state law allows the governor to call a special election only after the legislative session begins and a vacancy is clear. Democrat Curtis Johnson won a Roseville-area seat in November but was disqualified by a judge over residency questions and declined to appeal.

The decision left Republicans with a one-seat advantage in the chamber over Democrats, who have been boycotting the session as a result. There is a separate legal dispute before the court over the legitimacy of the session convening without Democrats present. Walz has not yet set a new date for the election but stated it will now likely happen in March.

Rep. Matt Gergely has passed away after suffering a medical emergency. Gergely represented Pennsylvania’s 35th district after winning a special election in 2023. A special election will be held to fill the vacancy.

Welcome to 2025! The beginning of a new year always brings with it the possibilities of a fresh start, a renewed perspective, and a “to do” list – and trust me, 2025 will be no exception!

One of the things that I am looking forward to doing this year is continuing to obtain greater knowledge and understanding as it relates to issues of diversity, equity and, inclusion (DEI). There are a number of people out here doing amazing work in the DEI space, and I plan to tap into their wisdom as much as possible! I plan to make new connections, seek out new learning opportunities, and re-commit to doing whatever I can to help counter the anti-DEI narrative.

I mentioned to someone the other day that those of us who are passionate about DEI  need to continue to spread the word about DEI being more than just about matters involving race and gender. While both race and gender are very important to the DEI conversation, for me, DEI encompasses everything that makes a person who they are – “their background, their lived experiences, their stories. These and so many other factors  are what helped to shape us and to make us the people we are today!”

I invite you to commit to seeking out new connections and new learning opportunities – and new ways of talking about DEI in 2025! I also invite you to share your DEI story with someone new to your circle (and invite them to do the same)!

Wishing you a very happy and fulfilling New Year!

Rep. Will Wheeler announced his resignation three days into the new legislative session. Wheeler is a Democrat who represented District 50 and cited his reason for leaving was to take a new path in his life for the sake of his health and his family. His resignation was effective January 17 and a special election is expected to be announced in the coming days.

On January 20, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order revoking mandated enhanced ethics rules for executive branch appointees implemented on January 20, 2021, by former President Joseph R. Biden. President Trump’s Executive Order, entitled “Executive Order—Initial Rescissions Of Harmful Executive Orders And Actions,” revoked over 60 prior presidential Executive orders issued in the last four years.

The rescinded order, Executive Order 13989 entitled “Executive Order on Ethic Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel,” required new appointees to sign and be contractually committed to the ethics pledge outlined in the order. Appointees were prohibited from accepting gifts, with limited exceptions, from registered lobbyists and lobbying organizations for the duration of their service as appointees. Appointees were also prohibited from participating in matters involving specific parties directly and substantially related to a former employer for two years after the date of appointment.

Federal lobbyists and individuals registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act could not seek or accept employment with any executive agency with respect to which he or she lobbied within the two years before the date of the appointment. The order also prohibited certain golden parachutes from former employers and includes a general two-year prohibition on lobbying after leaving a position. Covered appointees included every full-time, non-career Presidential or Vice-Presidential appointee, non-career appointees in the Senior Executive Service, and appointees to certain positions excepted from the competitive service. It did not include any person appointed as a member of the Senior Foreign Service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned officer.

President Trump, who issued an Executive Order concerning the ethics of appointed officials in 2017, and rescinded it on January 19, 2021, could still issue another related Executive Order.

Campaign Finance

California: “Santa Clara County Weighs Raising Campaign Donation Limits” by Brandon Pho (San Jose Spotlight) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Biden Preemptively Pardons Milley, Fauci, Jan. 6 Panel – and His Family” by Sabrina Rodriguez and Matt Viser (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Regardless of Verdict, Could Madigan Trial Be Make-or-Break Moment for Illinois?” by Ray Long, Megan Crepeau, and Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Montana: “Montana Senate Republican Leaders Looking into Use of $170K of State Funds by Former President” by Micah Drew (Daily Montanan) for Yahoo News

Oklahoma: “Second Ethics Probe Examines Ryan Walters for Social Media, Political Activity” by Michael McNutt and Sasha Ndisabiye for NonDoc

Legislative Issues

Ohio: “Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Will Succeed JD Vance in the US Senate” by Julie Carr Smyth and Stephen Groves (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

National: “Washington Lobbyists Turn to Musk’s DOGE to Influence Trump” by Gregory Korte and Ted Mann (Bloomberg) for MSN

New York: “NYC Council Pushing Lobbying Ban on Mayor’s Office Staffers – but Excludes Itself from Crackdown” by Carl Campanile (New York Post) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Giuliani and Georgia Election Workers Reach Settlement in Defamation Case” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “Sheng Thao and Partner Andre Jones Sought More than $300,000 in Bribes, Feds Allege” by Natalie Orenstein and Darwin BondGraham for Oaklandside

National: “CNN Found Guilty of Defaming Security Contractor, Ordered to Pay $5 Million” by Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Adams Legal Defense Fund Almost $1 Million in Debt as Donations Dwindle” by Yoav Gonan for The City

Ohio: “Feds Charge Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, Ex-Senior Vice President in Bribery Scheme” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for NonDoc

Legislative Issues

Florida: “DeSantis Picks Florida Attorney General to Replace Marco Rubio in Senate” by Hannah Knowles and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Kentucky: “He Ran Kentucky’s Nursing Home Inspections. Now He’s a Nursing Home Lobbyist. Is That OK?” by John Cheves (Lexington Herald-Leader) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “New Report Scrutinizes Lobbyists Working for NW Natural Gas and for Public Health, Climate Groups” by Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will fill the seat in the U.S. Senate vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Husted will serve at least through 2026 when a special election will be held to fill the remaining term.

Gov. Lee called for a special session on January 27 to address the Education Freedom Act, disaster relief for Hurricane Helene, and public safety measures related to illegal immigration. The Education Freedom Act aims to establish scholarships, increase teacher pay and bonuses, and increase funding for K-12 education. The Hurricane Helene relief will include upwards of $400 million allocated to various programs to provide immediate and long-term disaster relief to those effected by the hurricane. Finally, public safety measures for illegal immigration are being prepared to coincide with the federal policy planned implementations.

National/Federal

News Outlets Batten Down the Hatches for Trump’s Return

DNyuz – David Enrich and Katie Robertson (New York Times) | Published: 1/13/2025

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, media outlets large and small are taking steps to prepare for what they fear could be a legal and political onslaught against them from the new administration and Trump’s allies inside and outside the government. While Trump is prone to hyperbole and saber-rattling, many reporters, editors, and media lawyers are taking him seriously. As a result, even before Trump returns to power, he is altering how the press is operating.

Pardoned by Trump, Manafort Is Back and Looking for Foreign Work

DNyuz – Kenneth Vogel, Kim Barker, Constant Méheut, and Michael Schwirtz (New York Times) | Published: 1/12/2025

Four years after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump for crimes related to foreign lobbying, Paul Manafort is again seeking business from political interests abroad. Manafort, who led Trump’s 2016 campaign for a few months, has assembled a team of consultants who helped run Trump’s 2024 effort and is looking to advise campaigns for opposition and far-right political factions in Latin America and Europe, according to documents and interviews.

Trump-Appointed FEC Commissioner to Resign on Inauguration

MSN – Caroline Vakil (The Hill) | Published: 1/13/2025

FEC member Sean Cooksey announced he would be resigning on Donald Trump’s first day in office. Cooksey also said he hoped Trump would nominate new appointees to the FEC for commissioners whose terms had already expired.

Jack Smith, Special Counsel in Trump Cases, Resigns

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 1/11/2025

Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Justice Department after completing his work overseeing two federal prosecutions of Donald Trump. Though Smith’s departure was expected, official word of the end of his two-year appointment was another step in the winding down of the criminal cases against the former and future president, just over a week before Inauguration Day.

The Trump Company Is Not Banning Private Foreign Deals, a Break with Its First Term Policy

MSN – Bernard Condon (Associated Press) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Trump family business released a voluntary ethics agreement that allows it to strike deals with private foreign companies, a move that could help outside actors try to buy influence with the new administration. The so-called ethics white paper bars the Trump Organization from striking deals directly with foreign governments, but allows ones with private companies abroad, a significant departure from Donald Trump’s first term. The company also announced it would commit to several safeguards designed to stop his private financial interests from shaping policy. That includes hiring an outside ethics adviser to vet deals.

This Group Says Natural Gas Bans Hurt Minorities. It Has Gas Industry Ties.

MSN – Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2025

Documents show how the fossil fuel industry has relied on advocacy groups to persuade policymakers nationwide that its products benefit communities of color. Critics say these efforts come despite the fact that Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans are disproportionately exposed to deadly air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, which also is driving climate change. Blue states have advanced more aggressive climate policies for years. The gas industry has responded by hiring Democrats and other advocates who are better positioned to appeal to liberal voters.

Justice Dept. Releases Trump Special Counsel Report on Jan. 6 Case

MSN – Perry Stein, Spencer Hsu, Jeremy Roebuck, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2025

Special counsel Jack Smith released a report detailing the incriminating evidence he says he collected against Donald Trump over his two-year investigation, portraying the incoming president as a man who allegedly wielded his power to deceive state lawmakers, Republican Party activists, and presidential electors to claim victory in the 2020 election he knew he lost. The report serves as the final public record of a historic prosecution that never made it to trial, with the federal government abandoning the case after Trump became the president-elect.

These 5 Former Lobbyists Are Poised to Join Trump’s Cabinet

MSN – Taylor Giorno (The Hill) | Published: 1/16/2025

Five former lobbyists have been appointed or nominated to Donald Trump’s Cabinet, signaling he may not be as closed off to these hired guns as he appeared on the campaign trail. On the campaign trail, Trump said he is “not a big person for lobbyists” and floated a ban on government and elected officials becoming lobbyists after they leave public service.

Inside Elon Musk’s Plan for DOGE to Slash Government Costs

Seattle Times – Theodore Schleifer and Madeleine Ngo (New York Times) | Published: 1/12/2025

An unpaid group of billionaires, tech executives, and some disciples of Peter Thiel, a powerful Republican donor, are preparing to take up unofficial positions in the U.S. government in the name of cost-cutting. As Donald Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE) girds for battle against “wasteful” spending, it is preparing to dispatch individuals with ties to its co-leaders, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to agencies across the federal government. The structure of DOGE is still amorphous and closely held.

Democratic Senators Say a Campaign Treasurer Stole Their Money

Yahoo News – Dave Levinthal (Rolling Stone) | Published: 1/14/2025

At least four Democratic political committees suspect their former campaign treasurer is behind the “misappropriation” of hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds, according to federal records. They are the latest in a string of high-profile thefts and unauthorized financial transactions that have recently hit federal political committees of all partisan stripes, collectively costing them millions of dollars.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Supreme Court to Weigh Fate of ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law

Yahoo News – Jim Small (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Arizona Supreme Court will consider whether Republican legislative leaders have the right to challenge “dark money” disclosure rules created by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission under Proposition 211, which voters approved in 2022. The court will also determine if a provision limiting legislative oversight can be separated from the rest of the law. Proposition 211 requires disclosure of the original sources of contributions exceeding $5,000 used for campaign spending.

California – As Wildfires Burn, a Corruption Probe Left the Senate’s Insurance Committee Chair Vacant

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 1/13/2025

As fires rage through Southern California and exacerbate the state’s insurance crisis, the California Senate has no one in charge of its Insurance Committee due to questions surrounding a federal corruption investigation. Federal officials have not identified Sen. Susan Rubio by name in the case. But there is nobody else matching the description of “Person 20,” who is accused in federal court documents of asking for $240,000 in bribes from a cannabis company and accepting $30,000 in illegal campaign contributions.

California – Republicans Say They Want to Put Conditions on Wildfire Aid to California

MSN – Jacob Bogage and Toluse Olorunnipa (Washington Post) | Published: 1/13/2025

Leading congressional Republicans say they want to place conditions on aid for California’s wildfire victims, trying to force the state to fix what one lawmaker called “bad behavior” on policies ranging from taxes to land management in exchange for billions of dollars in federal help to recover from a natural disaster. Lawmakers typically approve federal aid after natural disasters without requiring states to change policies first.

Florida – Commission on Ethics Chief Describes Rollout of Controversial New Ethics Law

Florida Phoenix – Mitch Perry | Published: 1/14/2025

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a law that critics claim would allow unethical conduct to continue unchecked. Tina Descovich, vice chair of the Florida Commission on Ethics, said the agency is recommending that state lawmakers pass legislation this year to provide “whistleblower-like protection” for individuals who file ethics complaints.

Florida – Ethics Worries Grow for Florida Democrat as State Sues Over $5 Million Covid Payment

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 1/14/2025

Questions surrounding a newly reelected Democratic lawmaker deepened in recent weeks as Florida moved to sue the company that she once led in an attempt to recoup a more than $5 million coronavirus overpayment. U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick reported her income increased by more than $6 million between 2020 and 2021, the year of the alleged overpayment to Trinity Health Care Services, which she led, according to her official financial disclosures.

Georgia – Pro-Stacey Abrams Groups Fined $300,000 After Admitting They Broke Georgia Campaign Finance Law

Yahoo News – Jeff Amy (Associated Press) | Published: 1/15/2025

Two nonprofits settled a complaint with the Georgia Ethics Commission and will pay $300,000 for illegally spending millions of dollars to bolster Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial bid in 2018. The commission found the New Georgia Project and its affiliated New Georgia Project Action Fund illegally did election work for Abrams and others without disclosing their campaign contributions and spending.

Idaho – After Major Spending in 2024 Elections, Updates to Idaho’s Sunshine Laws Are in the Works

Idaho Press – Laura Guido | Published: 1/14/2025

An unprecedented year of campaign spending has led some officials to consider amendments to Idaho’s campaign finance laws to make it easier to track electioneering messaging. This year, legislation is expected to be introduced to move up deadlines for reporting because currently there is a lag between when large amounts of money are spent and when that spending is publicly accessible through reports. In some cases, spending is not reported until after the election is over.

Illinois – Advisory Referendum Question on Political Contribution Rules Thrown Out by Aurora Electoral Board

MSN – R. Christian Smith (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 1/13/2025

A non-binding referendum question that was set to ask Aurora voters whether the city should limit the amount of money candidates can receive from those who do business with the city has been thrown out by the Aurora Electoral Board. The referendum would have asked if the city of Aurora should create campaign finance rules that cap at $1,000 political donations to city elected officials and candidates for city office if the business, organization, or person donating to the campaign has previously received or is currently asking for a city contract, tax increment financing district, or any other official action from the city.

Illinois – Former IDPH Chief Fined $150,000 For Breach of Illinois Ethics Act

MSN – Jonah Meadows (Patch) | Published: 1/11/2025

Former Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike accepted a $150,000 fine from a state ethics commission after admitting to violating the “revolving door” prohibition. The settlement and fine from the Executive Ethics Commission stems from Ezike’s acceptance of a position as president and chief executive of Sinai Chicago within a year of her March 2022 departure from state government, during which the hospital operator received substantial funding and oversight from her former agency.

Illinois – Supreme Court Weighs Appeal of Ex-Chicago Alderman’s Corruption Conviction

Yahoo News – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 1/14/2025

The Supreme Court signaled it may send a Chicago political scion’s appeal of his conviction for lying to regulators back to a lower court to flesh out the difference between false and misleading statements. Patrick Daley Thompson was convicted in 2022 of lying to regulators about the amount he borrowed from a now-defunct bank. If the justices rule in Thompson’s favor, it could mark a second case in as many years where the Supreme Court found federal prosecutors overstepped while cracking down on local politicians.

Indiana – Indiana Ethics Commission Approves Waivers for 4 Outgoing Agency Heads

Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 1/10/2025

Indiana’s Ethics Commission approved post-employment waivers for four agency heads moving on from state government as Gov. Mike Braun takes over. That includes David Rosenberg, president of the controversial Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The waivers allow state employees to take their next jobs despite potential conflicts-of-interest.

Kansas – Kansas House Panel Asked to Reform Commission with Oversight of Campaign-Finance Laws

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 1/15/2025

A lawyer representing politically active clients dealing with campaign finance disputes at the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission wants the 2025 Legislature to declaw the agency because it allegedly took a hammer to free-speech rights through enforcement of “Keystone Cop” procedures. He complained that unconstitutionally vague statutes were left open to distortion by commission, including Executive Director Mark Skoglund.

Kentucky – KY Ethics Commission Will Investigate a New Complaint Against Rep. Daniel Grossberg

Yahoo News – Austin Horn and Alex Acquisto (Lexington Herald Leader) | Published: 1/14/2025

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to move forward in investigating a second complaint filed against state Rep. Daniel Grossberg, combining it with a previous complaint against him.  Grossberg has been the subject of scrutiny in the media and by the ethics commission for various issues. There have been calls for his resignation after the media reported his alleged sexually inappropriate behavior with women.

Maine – Maine Legislature Eyes Campaign Finance Reforms as Courts Weigh Voter-Backed Referenda

Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 1/13/2025

While Maine voters have overwhelmingly passed laws in the past two general elections to place stricter regulations on money in politics, those reforms have so far been blocked as legal battles play out in the courts. Despite those obstacles, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and advocates are planning to introduce new reforms, or kickstart long-standing efforts, though there remains some disagreement on the best path forward for better regulating political spending.

Maryland – Maryland’s Legislative Session Opens Amid Concerns Over $86M Lobbying influence

MSN – Gary Collins (Spotlight on Maryland) | Published: 1/9/2025

A state consumer advocate raised concerns about lobbyist influence as the Maryland General Assembly convened its annual 90-day session in Annapolis. Mollie Woods, an attorney with the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel, said special interest groups wield significant influence in the General Assembly due to their financial resources and “the size of their lobbying efforts.” Companies and organizations spent over $86 million in the state during the 2024 reporting period. This represents a twenty-eight percent increase in lobbying dollars spent since 2021.

Massachusetts – Boston City Council Kills Ethics Committee Push Amid Fernandes Anderson Corruption Charges

MSN – Gayla Cawley (Boston Herald) | Published: 1/9/2025

The Boston City Council, tarred by federal public corruption charges leveled against Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, overwhelmingly defeated a measure that sought to establish an ethics commission for internal oversight of the body. Fernandes Anderson was indicted on six public corruption charges that allege she pocketed $7,000 of a $13,000 bonus she doled out to one of her staffers. The money was allegedly kicked back to the councilor in an exchange with the staff member that took place in a City Hall bathroom in 2023.

Michigan – Who Funds Michigan Lawmakers? Most Get Cash from PACs, Not Voters They Represent

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 1/14/2025

Local voters send representatives to the Michigan Capitol, but outside donors are far more likely to send those lawmakers checks. An analysis of campaign finance disclosures shows most lawmakers elected to the state House last year received only a small fraction of their political contributions from their constituents. Instead, most of their donations came from PACs that typically represent industries and other special interests.

New Jersey – New Jersey’s Race for Governor Is Poised to Be One of the Least Transparent

Yahoo News – Matt Friedman (Politico) | Published: 1/12/2025

New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election could be the least transparent in memory thanks to a new campaign finance law that lets super PACs keep their donors secret until shortly before the primary. It will be the biggest test yet of the financial overhaul, and supporters of a few candidates have already sought to leverage it by forming independent expenditure committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts.

New Jersey – N.J. Corruption Watchdog Leader Abruptly Resigns After Scrutiny

Yahoo News – Jelani Gibson (New Jersey Advance Media) | Published: 1/10/2025

The leader of the state commission that investigates waste, fraud, and abuse in New Jersey government resigned under fire, a day after a published report revealed she claimed residency in two states and had a second, full-time job out of state. State Commission of Investigation Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Williams Brewer handed in her resignation just four days after she was formally appointed to lead the watchdog agency.

New Jersey – Benjie Wimberly Spent Campaign Money for Personal Use on Hotels, Airfare, Complaint Says

Yahoo News – Joe Malinconico (Bergen Record) | Published: 1/9/2025

State Assemblyperson Benjie Wimberly was accused of spending campaign money for his personal use, mostly payments for hotels and airfare, in a complaint filed by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Wimberly, as speaker pro tempore, is the second-highest ranking member of the Assembly, where he has served since 2012. He is also on the Paterson school district’s payroll as director of recreational programs with a $188,328 salary.

New York – State Investigating Assembly Race Donation Under Lewd Pseudonym

MSN – Wendy Liberatore (Albany Times Union) | Published: 1/14/2025

A $100 contribution to the unsuccessful New York Assembly campaign of well-known local activist Joe Seeman is under review by the state Campaign Finance Board because it appears to have been made under a false name. The donation under the lewd alias “Jack Meehoff” was made through ActBlue using the address and Paypal account of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran, who denies donating under that name. According to the state Board of Elections, making a contribution under a false name is a violation of the law.

New York – Ex-NYC Mayor de Blasio Still on the Hook for $475K Fine Over Misused Public Funds, Judge Rules

MSN – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 1/15/2025

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio must pay a $475,000 fine levied against him for misusing public funds on a police security detail during his failed White House bid, a judge ruled, dismissing the ex-mayor’s legal challenge as “entirely baseless.” The decision blocks de Blasio’s latest effort to erase the hefty fine issued against him by the Conflicts of Interest Board. In his motion for dismissal, de Blasio argued the board provided him with murky guidance around the use of public funds for security purposes, then overstepped its authority in imposing the fine.

New York – Turkish Businessman Pleads Guilty in NYC Mayor Adams’ Corruption Case, Could Testify Against Mayor

MSN – Molly Crane-Newman, Josephine Stratman, and Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 1/10/2025

Real estate magnate Erden Arkan pleaded guilty in federal court to funneling thousands of dollars to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign in coordination with a Turkish government official, setting him up to testify against the mayor. Arkan admitted to orchestrating straw donations to Adams through workers of the construction company he partly owns, KSK, and then reimbursing them. It is the first plea resulting from the ongoing probe of illicit foreign donations to the mayor’s campaign.

New York – Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case, Will Not Face Jail or Probation

MSN – Shayna Jacobs, Derek Hawkins, and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 1/10/2025

Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty for his felony conviction in his hush money trial, appearing virtually at what was likely his final court hearing as a criminal defendant before he is sworn in for another term in the White House. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the trial and handed down the sentence, gave Trump an unconditional discharge, meaning the president-elect will not face time behind bars, a fine, or probation.

North Dakota – As Governor, Burgum Promised to Manage Conflicts. They Still Cropped Up.

DNyuz – Alexandra Berzon (New York Times) | Published: 1/15/2025

On the day after Doug Burgum became governor of North Dakota in 2016, he addressed questions about what he would do about all of his investments. They included extensive real estate developments benefiting from state programs he was suddenly in a position to oversee. His answer was that he would “manage” his conflicts-of-interest, but he would not divest from his holdings in the state. Since then, however, his range of holdings intersected with his policy decisions as governor, a New York Times review found.

North Dakota – North Dakota Ethics Commission Receives Early Pushback in Legislative Hearing

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 1/8/2025

The North Dakota Ethics Commission received pushback from lawmakers on one of its first bills, with a nearly unanimous recommendation to reject it. The commission can issue advisory opinions to help officials under its jurisdiction understand how ethics laws and rules apply in certain circumstances. Currently, the commission may only publish opinions if someone specifically requests it. House Bill 1046 would change this to allow the commission to issue advisory opinions of its own volition.

Ohio – Cleveland Guardians Tried to Give Cuyahoga Council Free Tickets. Ohio Ethics Commission Said No

MSN – Kaitlin Durbin (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/9/2025

Cuyahoga County Inspector General Alexa Beeler sought the Ohio Ethics Commission’s guidance after the Cleveland Guardians twice offered each county council member 100 tickets to distribute or use themselves at up to three games in the 2022 baseball season. This was after the Guardians received a new lease that included upgrades for Progressive Field. The commission blocked them both times.

Ohio – Ohio’s New Voter ID Law Blocked at Least 7,000 Votes from Being Counted in November Election

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 1/13/2025

Election officials rejected more than 7,000 Ohioans’ provisional ballots in the 2024 elections for lack of proper identification, new state data shows, a record number and massive increase from years past. The spike in rejections comes after Republicans in 2023 enacted one of the strictest voter photo identification requirements in the nation.

Oregon – Gov. Tina Kotek’s Office Dinged for ‘Minor’ Spending on Catered Party, Concert Tickets That May Have Broken Ethics Rules

MSN – Betsy Hammond (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 1/9/2025

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office spent about $11,000 on a catered employee celebration, concert tickets, and monthly parking passes during her first 16 months in office that may have violated state ethics laws. The findings, reached by state auditors. were forwarded to the state ethics commission, which will determine whether Kotek’s administration in fact broke the rules and, if so, what consequences to impose.

Texas – ‘Obvious Subversion’: Advocates criticize DART director’s lobbying ties to Uber

KERA – Pablo Arauz Peña | Published: 1/14/2025

Plano residents and public transit advocates are criticizing a member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board of directors for lobbying for Uber. Plano is among several DART member cities pushing to reduce their funding to the agency, or to restructure some of its services. The criticism arose after a social media post noted that Paul Wageman was advocating for increased on-demand ride services in Plano while also being paid as a lobbyist for Uber.

On January 17, a final rule amending the U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations, aimed at improving consistency between the procurement and non-procurement procedures concerning suspension and debarment, will take effect.

Changes include providing clarification regarding which mitigating and aggravating factors may apply to individuals for suspensions and debarments, clarifying that if the suspending and debarring official (SDO) extends the opportunity for the contractor to submit material in opposition, then the SDO should also give a deadline for submission of materials, and the allowance of the notice of proposed debarment, or the notice of suspension, to be sent by U.S. mail or private delivery service to the last known street address of the person or entity with delivery notification service.

Additional changes allow for the notice of proposed debarment, or the notice of suspension, to be sent by email to the point of contact email address in the contractor’s registration in the System for Award Management, if any, or to the last known email address as confirmed by the agency. The rule changes also clarify that the official record closes upon the expiration of the contractor’s time to submit information and argument in opposition, including any extensions.