Every June, the United Nations leads the world in celebrating World Environment Day. People from more than 150 countries participate and coordinate events every year. At State and Federal Communications, Inc., we want to do our part to protect the environment. In our efforts, we focus recycling and sustainability, as well as supporting community partners in their sustainability efforts.

Recycling and sustainability:

We focus on four areas of recycling: single-use packaging, paper and cardboard, electronic waste, and fluorescent bulbs.

In 2017, we started working with the city of Akron and Downtown Akron Partnership as part of their single-stream recycling program. This makes it much easier to recycle single-use containers, like plastic bottles and aluminum cans, and boxes to prevent them from going to landfills. We have also worked with Weaver Industries, based in Akron, for their SecurShred services to shred, then recycle, all business paper. Additionally, the city of Akron collects flattened cardboard and processes it at a local facility.

Because electronic waste and fluorescent bulbs are toxic when buried in landfills, our policy is to upgrade all failed fluorescent bulbs or fixtures to LED. We also recycle all e-waste (computers, monitors, cables, batteries, and small electronic items) at a facility in Hudson, Ohio, who handles and disposes of them properly.

In 2023, we recycled:

• 1,141 lbs. (.571 tons) of e-waste
• 6,233 lbs. (3.117 tons) of paper
• 48 lbs. of fluorescent bulbs

This resulted in a total of 7,411 lbs. (3.711 tons) of materials recycled.

Community partnerships:

We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that access to environmentally sustainable options is not equitable and the results of environmental injustices harming communities not only in our own city, but all over the world.

Through our Corporate Social Responsibility and DEI efforts, we support organizations that are working to bridge these gaps.

We began working with the Akron Zoo in September 2019. By bringing aluminum cans to the Akron Zoo’s collection center, they can recycle them and send the money to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which helps plant trees in the Brazilian rainforest. In 2023 alone, we collected 3,443 cans, resulting in 68 trees planted in the Brazilian rainforest.

We have also been long-time supporters of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, which plays a critical role in local sustainability. Through a variety of programs, they rescue food that would otherwise go to waste to feed families facing hunger. Some of these programs are Direct Distribution, Community Harvest and Starbucks Foodshare programs, the agency direct pickup program.

These are just a couple of the organizations that we support in their missions to protect our planet and our neighbors. With our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, in conjunction with our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, we aim to do our part in supporting our community and our planet.

Cleveland City Council passed an ordinance doubling campaign contribution limits for City Council candidates.

Contribution limits to candidates for City Council increased from $1,500 to $3,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $6,000 for PACs in a calendar year.

Emergency Ordinance No. 615-2024 will become effective immediately upon being signed by Mayor Justin Bibb, or in 10 days if not signed.

Bibb and all members of City Council are up for reelection in November 2025.

Sometime before November 30, 2024, a by-election will be announced for the seat in the Canadian Federal House of Commons representing Cloverdale–Langley City in the province of British Columbia.

On June 3, the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Stéphane Perrault, received official notice from the Speaker of the House of Commons that the seat for Cloverdale–Langley City (British Columbia) became vacant following the resignation of John Aldag, who resigned on May 27 in order to run in the provincial elections this fall in British Columbia.

Under the law, the by-election date must be announced between June 14 and November 30, 2024, and will signal the start of the by-election period.

According to Elections Canada, the earliest date the by-election can be held is July 22, 2024.

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Campaign Finance Reform Could Be Coming Next Election Cycle” by Rebecca Tauber for Denverite

Ohio: “Cleveland City Council Doubles Campaign Finance Contribution Limits, Some Residents Push Back” by Abbey Marshall for WVIZ

Elections

Kansas: “Kansas Voters Have No Fundamental Constitutional Right to Vote, Supreme Court Rules” by Jason Alatidd and Jack Harvel (Topeka Capital-Journal) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Lawmakers Expensed Millions in 2023 Under New Program That Doesn’t Require Receipts” by Jacqueline Alemany, Clara Ence Morse, and Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Investors, Worried They Can’t Beat Lawmakers in Stock Market, Copy Them Instead” by Jacqueline Alemany (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Trump Verdict Vindicates N.Y. Prosecutor Who Quietly Pursued a Risky Path” by Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “FirstEnergy, the Center Point of a Bribery Plot, Could Officially Beat the Rap This Summer” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Redistricting

Arkansas: “U.S.Supreme Court Sends Arkansas Redistricting Case Back to Judges after South Carolina Ruling” by Andew DeMillo (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Maybe things are no longer “hot off the presses”, but our 2023 CSR Annual Report is definitely hot. The year was full of events and activities, which kept us busy all year long and it was all headed up by Joe May, Manager of CSR at State and Federal Communications, with a lot of help from a lot of the staff.

 

The 2023 report includes information about:

1.      Our great 30th anniversary

2.      Government Relations events we have attended around the country

3.      The MOVE from 19,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet in downtown Akron

4.      Creating the space for good to happen

5.      A ton of professional development opportunities

6.      Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

7.      How we strengthen our community through United Way, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Tools for School, and Be an Angel

8.      Our love for the Girl Scouts and the cookies

9.      Company leadership in organizations

10.    Our fabulous internship program

11.    How we protect our environment

12.    And beautiful ovations from Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Women in Government Executive Director Meredith Martino, and NCSL’s current President and Rhode Island’s President Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy

 

Don’t just read the list… Go to the Annual Report and see for yourself how this mighty team of 43 people does a lot in Akron, Washington DC, and the country. We are happy to send you a copy… just send me an email at ebartz@stateandfed.com, and it will be on its way.

Enjoy this beautiful month of June. We will be back in July.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

Elections

Georgia: “A Court Might Hear Arguments Before the Election on Fani Willis’ Role in Trump’s Georgia Case” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Washington DC: “D.C. Ethics Board Recommends Rudy Giuliani Be Disbarred” by Alexandra Marquez (NBC News) for MSN

Florida: “Alex Díaz de la Portilla Under Investigation for Alleged Witness Tampering in Bribery Case” by Tess Riski (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “Michigan Lawmaker Wants to Pay Reporters to Uncover Corruption” by J.D. Davidson (Center Square) for MSN

National: “Multiple Trump Witnesses Have Received Significant Financial Benefits from His Businesses, Campaign” by Robert Faturechi, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski (ProPublica) for MSN

National: “Billions in Taxpayer Dollars Now Go to Religious Schools Via Vouchers” by Laura Meckler and Michelle Boorstein (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “At Center of Alito Controversy, a Flag Celebrated by Extremists” by Hannah Allen (Washington Post) for MSN

Texas: “Former Houston Public Works Official Charged in Corruption Case Involving Waterline Repair Contracts” by Yilun Cheng (Houston Chronicle) for MSN

Lawmakers passed a bill modifying the restrictions and penalties for using deep fakes to influence elections before adjourning May 20.

Effective August 1, House File 4772 changes the standard from reasonably knowing to acting with reckless disregard about whether the item being disseminated is a deep fake.

The bill also changes the applicable timeframe for violations to within 90 days before a political party nominating convention or after the start of absentee voting prior to a presidential primary or state or local primary or general election.

Penalties for candidates using deep fakes include forfeiting their nomination or office and disqualification from being appointed to that office or any other office.

On June 24, a Canadian federal by-election will be held in the electoral district of Toronto–St. Paul’s (Ontario) to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons.

On January 16, the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Stéphane Perrault, had received official notice from the Speaker of the House of Commons that the seat for Toronto—St. Paul’s (Ontario) became vacant following the resignation of Carolyn Ann Bennett.

Bennett officially resigned from her seat in the House of Commons on January 16, 2024, and was appointed on the same day as Canada’s Ambassador to Denmark.

The date for the election was not announced until May 19, which signaled the start of the by-election period.

Campaign Finance

National: “PAC Run by Mark Meadows’ Wife Fined, Closing After Campaign Finance Violation” by Danielle Battaglia (Raleigh News & Observer) for Yahoo Finance

Oregon: “Lawmakers Approve $5 Million for Secretary of State Office to Overhaul Oregon Campaign Finance Filing System” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

Ohio: “Ohio Senate Approves Fix Assuring President Biden Is on Fall Ballot” by Bruce Shipkowski (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Chief Justice Robert Declines to Meet with Democrats on Court Ethics” by Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN

Missouri: “After Investigation, Top MO House Republican Now Faces Scathing Whistleblower Lawsuit” by Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) for Yahoo News

National: “Even as the Judicial System Finds Trump Guilty, His Attacks Take a Toll” by Sarah Ellison and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Ethics Commission Subpoenaed Hochul Administration Over Bills Box Seats” by Chris Bragg for New York Focus

Legislative Issues

National: “Departing House Members Ask: ‘Why am I here?'” by Robert Draper (New York Times) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

Former FTX Executive Ryan Salame Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Election Donor Scheme with Sam Bankman-Fried

Courthouse News Service – Josh Russell | Published: 5/28/2024

A federal judge sentenced former FTX executive Ryan Salame to 90 months in prison for his role in straw donor conspiracy with convicted cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried that flooded both Democrat and Republican campaigns with tens of millions of dollars in illegal contributions. As part of his plea deal, Salame agreed to pay a $6 million penalty and more than $5 million in restitution, in addition to forfeiting his Porsche 911 Turbo and two properties in Massachusetts.

The Washington Post Said It Had the Alito Flag Story 3 Years Ago and Chose Not to Publish

MSN – David Bauder (Associated Press) | Published: 5/28/2024

Nine days after the New York Times reported about the political symbolism of an upside-down American flag that flew at U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s home, the Washington Post acknowledged it had the same story more than three years ago and decided not to publish it. The Post’s story was both an example of journalistic introspection and an illustration of how coverage of the Supreme Court has changed since the incident itself, shortly after the Capitol insurrection.

Voter Outreach Groups Targeted by New Laws in Several GOP-Led States Are Struggling to Do Their Work

MSN – Ayanna Alexander (Associated Press) | Published: 5/28/2024

Florida is one of several states where Republicans enacted voting restrictions that created or enhanced criminal penalties and fines for those who assist voters. The laws have forced some voter outreach groups to cease operations, while others have greatly altered or reduced their activities. Cecile Scoon, co-president of the League of Women Voters in Florida, said the law stripped the personal connection between its workers and communities. Digital tools are not easy to use when registering voters and can be expensive, she said.

RFK Jr. Files Complaint Over Potential Exclusion from Debate Stage

MSN – Amy Wang and Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) | Published: 5/29/2024

The presidential campaign of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed a complaint with the FEC about Kennedy’s potential exclusion from a planned June 27 debate on CNN between President Biden and Donald Trump. Kennedy’s campaign alleges Biden, Trump, and CNN “colluded” to leave Kennedy off the debate stage. The complaint also alleges CNN’s decision to hold the debate could be tantamount to the network making “prohibited corporate contributions” to Biden and Trump’s campaigns.

Supreme Court Revives NRA’s Lawsuit Alleging That New York Violated Its First Amendment Rights

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 5/30/2024

The National Rifle Association (NRA) scored a major victory at the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices unanimously ruled that appeals judges were too quick to dismiss the NRA’s claims that New York officials violated its First Amendment rights by targeting its insurance business. The decision reinstated a lawsuit the NRA filed against New York state’s top financial services regulator, Maria Vullo, after she announced a plan to pressure banks and insurance companies to stop doing business with the organization.

Trump Electors in Key States Want to Serve Again, Despite Criminal Charges

MSN – Amy Gardner and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

Republican activists in at least three states where Donald Trump tried to reverse his defeat in 2020 – nearly all of them under criminal indictment for casting electoral votes for him despite his loss – are poised to reprise their roles as presidential electors this year. Their eagerness to serve, and encouragement to do so from their parties, reflects a widespread belief among Republicans the electors did nothing wrong in 2020, raising the question of what they might do or say if Trump once again loses any of those states.

Judge Rejects Request to Restrict Trump’s Speech on FBI, Says Motion Was Faulty

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2024

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon denied a request from federal prosecutors that she order Donald Trump to stop making incendiary claims about law enforcement personnel, saying the government should have more thoroughly consulted with Trump’s attorneys before coming to her. The judge, who is overseeing Trump’s classified documents criminal case in Florida, strongly rebuked special counsel Jack Smith, who submitted his motion after the former president and his political campaign issued statements that said, “Biden’s DOJ was authorized to shoot me!”

DNC Prepares to Nominate Biden Via ‘Virtual Roll Call’ Before Convention

MSN – Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2024

President Biden will be chosen as the Democratic presidential nominee through a virtual roll call ahead of the party’s official convention in Chicago in August, a maneuver that will allow Biden to appear on the November ballot in Ohio. The in-person roll call of states, culminating with the official nomination of a presidential candidate, is typically a focal point of political conventions. The convention is still expected to feature the roll call, but the formal nomination of Biden will be during the virtual proceedings.

A.I. Promised to Upend the 2024 Campaign. It Hasn’t Yet.

Yahoo News – Shane Goldmacher, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) | Published: 5/23/2024

The era of artificial intelligence (AI) has arrived on the campaign trail. But the much anticipated, and feared, technology remains confined to the margins of American campaigns. With less than six months until the 2024 election, the political uses of AI are more theoretical than transformational, both as a constructive communications tool or to spread dangerous disinformation.

Experts Question Alito’s Failure to Recuse Himself in Flag Controversy

Yahoo News – Adam Liptak (New York Times) | Published: 5/30/2024

In a letter to Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said he was not only permitted but also obligated to sit on two cases arising from the attack on the Capitol despite controversies over flags displayed outside his houses associated with the “Stop the Steal” movement. Experts in legal ethics said they welcomed Alito’s decision to explain himself. But they were not persuaded by the reasoning in the letters, which said the flags had been flown by his wife and so did not require him to step aside in the pending cases.

From the States and Municipalities

California – More Independence, Sharper Teeth: Elliott’s ethics plan would overhaul how campaign, lobbying rules are enforced

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) | Published: 5/27/2024

The San Diego Ethics Commission has been constrained by some of the very rules and practices that were written into its governing documents in 2001. If the plan by City Attorney Mara Elliott wins approval from the city council, voters will decide this year whether to give the commission sharper teeth in overseeing hundreds of public officials, campaigns, and the donors and lobbyists who seek to influence them.

California – More Orange County Cities Overhaul Campaign Finance Rules

Voice of OC – Hosam Ellatar | Published: 5/29/2024

A couple of Orange County cities are increasing limits on how much a person can donate to campaigns ahead of the November 2024 election. Officials in one of the smallest cities in the county, Stanton, moved in the opposite direction, directing staff to look at reducing the campaign contribution limit. The changes come after a corruption scandal broke out in Anaheim, where investigators last year accused Disneyland resort interests of having outsized influence over City Hall.

Colorado – Jenna Ellis, Trump Lawyer Who Pleaded Guilty in Georgia Case, Is Barred from Practicing Law in Colorado for Three Years

Colorado Sun – Jessed Paul | Published: 5/28/2024

Jenna Ellis, the former lawyer for Donald Trump who pleaded guilty last year in Georgia to a felony charge for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state, is barred from practicing law for three years in Colorado. She will have to file a petition to reinstate her law license at the end of the suspension. Ellis was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service in the Georgia case.

District of Columbia – Lobbying Is the Lifeblood of DC’s Anemic Office Market

WTOP – Jeff Clabaugh | Published: 5/20/2024

The District of Columbia’s office market is struggling with record vacancy rates, but there is one tenant it can always count on: government affairs. The demand for office space from those tenants is growing. “We just looked at the big three – that’s the lobbyists for hire, the corporate government affairs groups, and associations,” said Tammy Shoham, research director at commercial real estate firm JLL. “And of those three groups, there are over 1,500 entities here in D.C.”

Florida – Disney Starts Giving to Florida Politicians Again, Sen. Thompson Says

MSN – Steven Lemongello (Orlando Sentinel) | Published: 5/24/2024

Disney’s Princess Tiana appears on the invitations to state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s June fundraiser, and with that image comes the return of a major player in Florida politics. The Walt Disney Co. provided theme park tickets, Thompson said, in what is known as an in-kind contribution It could be the first contribution to a Florida politician in more than two years from the company, once one of the biggest donors to Democrats and Republicans alike.

Hawaii – Mitsunaga Secretary Acquitted for Bribery Could Still Face State Campaign Violations

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 5/23/2024

For a decade, Terri Ann Otani made tens of thousands of dollars in donations to candidates in the names of her family members, according to her relatives. During her recent trial, prosecutors showed the jury how Otani purchased cashier’s checks with the memo line filled out with her relatives’ names and submitted them to campaigns. Otani was acquitted of charges that some of those donations amounted to bribery, but the information could expose her to new criminal and civil liability. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission is now investigating the matter.

Hawaii – Conflict of Interest? Some Hawaii Lawmakers Work for or Even Own Companies That Get State Contracts

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 5/27/2024

An examination of current state legislators’ business interests found at least a dozen sitting Hawaii lawmakers are paid by or own entities that have won more than $56 million in government contracts since 2006. The findings have prompted the State Ethics Commission to begin exploring proposals that could rein in lawmakers pulling double duty. The idea of a “citizen Legislature” can cause tension between a lawmakers’ private business interests and their duties as a public servant.

Illinois – Lawmakers OK Bill to Require ‘Faithful’ Electors in 2024, Loosen Campaign Finance Rules

Capitol News Illinois – Andrew Adams | Published: 5/30/2024

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Illinois appears likely to join most of the rest of the country in requiring that the state’s Electoral College votes go to the winner of the state’s popular election. It is part of a broad package of election-related legislation which includes a provision loosening restrictions on what political parties can do with campaign funds.

Illinois – Judge Temporarily Blocks Hastily Passed Election Law That Favored Democrats in November

Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/23/2024

A judge issued a temporary injunction blocking a law passed by Democrats that would have prevented Republicans from slating candidates for legislative races not filled in the March primary. Previously, local committees for the political parties could fill legislative ballot spots in which their party did not field a primary candidate after the primary election. The slated candidate was still required to obtain candidacy petition signatures to appear on the general election ballot.

Iowa – Auditor: Ethics board made ‘no attempt’ to collect fines and can’t force payment

Iowa Capital Dispatch – Clark Kaufman | Published: 5/24/2024

The state auditor’s office faulted the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for having made no attempt to collect penalties imposed on politicians and their campaigns. The notice sent to violators did not include information on how to pay the penalty and it did not include language requesting payment within a certain time frame. Once the initial notice was sent, the auditor found, there were “no attempts made to follow-up on the unpaid penalties.”

Iowa – Iowa Ethics Board Fines Candidate Melissa Vine, Former Campaign Manager for Illegal Contributions

Yahoo News – Robin Opsahl (Iowa Capital Dispatch) | Published: 5/23/2024

Democratic congressional candidate Melissa Vine and her former campaign manager Lou McDonald were each fined $500 by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board after an investigation found the two made contributions to a state PAC in other people’s names. Federal law may have been violated by using congressional campaign money to make donations on behalf of individuals to a PAC.

Louisiana – Lawmakers Give Landry Control Over Ethics Board Amid Dispute Over Discipline

Louisiana Illuminator – Julie O’Donoghue | Published: 5/28/2024

Louisiana lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to give Gov. Jeff Landry control over the state Board of Ethics, just a few months after its members charged him with violating the ethics law. Landry could gain the ability to appoint ethics board members directly on August 1 under legislation that looks likely to pass in the next few days. The bill must return to the Senate for at least one more vote before going to Landry’s desk.

Maryland – Marilyn Mosby Sentenced to 1 Year Home Detention for Perjury, Mortgage Fraud

MSN – Jasmine Hilton and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) | Published: 5/23/2024

A federal judge sentenced Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s former top prosecutor convicted of perjury and mortgage fraud, to 12 months of home detention followed by two years of supervised release after a highly publicized criminal prosecution that spurred tensions over race, politics, and justice. Mosby was convicted of lying to withdraw money from her retirement account under a program built to help those struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Prosecutors said she used that money to purchase two vacation properties in Florida.

Massachusetts – Massachusetts DPW Director Pays $17,000 Fine for Accepting Free Ski Trips, Other Gifts

Boston Herald – Rick Sobey | Published: 5/28/2024

Yet another Bay State municipal worker has paid a big fine for accepting free ski trips and other gifts from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor. Danvers Department of Public Works Director David Lane paid a $17,000 civil penalty for violating the state’s conflict-of-interest law. Lane admitted to accepting free ski trips, a golf outing, and a steakhouse dinner from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor.

Nevada – Who’s Funding Negative Campaign Mail? Legal Loophole Helps Some Groups Avoid Disclosure

Nevada Independent – Riley Snyder and Tabitha Mueller | Published: 5/29/2024

Thanks to a 2017 change in how often candidates and PACs are required to report their contributions and expenditures in Nevada, political operators now have a two-month window during which to set up PACs and spend money on the state’s June primary election without having to report how much they are raising or who is funding them until July 15. An analysis found at least 20 new PACs and political nonprofits were registered between April 1 and May 15.

New Mexico – State Ethics Commission Sues Apodacas Dark Money Operation

Yahoo News – Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) | Published: 5/26/2024

The New Mexico Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against a dark money political group and its founder, former gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca, to force the disclosure of the organization’s expenditures and donors. The New Mexico Project registered as a domestic nonprofit corporation and has spent thousands of dollars on political advertising. But the group has not identified its donors.

New York – Lobbying Loophole Bill Pushed Again, This Time Without LaSalle Lookback

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 5/28/2024

More than 15 months after an historic fight over the selection of the chief judge for New York’s highest court revealed a loophole in the state’s lobbying laws, a second attempt by lawmakers to address that issue is being waged in the final days of the legislative session. The late push comes after a key change to the language intended to address a concern Gov. Kathy Hochul noted in her veto message. It would no longer require lobbying disclosure for nominations since 2023 and only apply to those moving forward.

New York – New York State’s Matching Funds Program Debuts. What Does It Mean for This Year’s Election

City Limits – Mary Cunningham | Published: 5/28/2024

New York’s Public Campaign Finance program allows candidates running for state office to qualify for matching funds for contributions between five dollars to $250 made by in-district donors. This year’s elections is the first time candidates for the Assembly and Senate will be able to take part. During the next election cycle in 2026, those running for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and state comptroller will also be able take advantage of matching funds if they qualify and choose to opt in.

Oregon – Will Oregon Department of Justice Ever Open a Criminal Investigation of Democrats’ 2022 Misreported Donation?

Portland Oregonian – Hillary Borrud | Published: 5/30/2024

The Oregon Department of Justice crossed the one-year mark on its review of whether to open a criminal probe into the state Democratic Party for misreporting the donor who gave the party $500,000 in the final weeks of the 2022 election. The party admitted the money was from Nishad Singh, an executive at the disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Under Oregon law, it is a felony to make or accept a campaign contribution under a “false name.”

South Carolina – 76 Ethics Allegations Say Ex-Clerk of Court Becky Hill Abused Post for Own Gain

Yahoo News – John Monk (The State) | Published: 5/29/2024

The South Carolina Ethics Commission found probable cause in 76 different incidents to believe that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill repeatedly misused her position to enrich herself and promote a book she wrote on the Alex Murdaugh murder trial. A complaint says Hill also directed hundreds if not thousands of dollars to go for things like “candy, tea and lemonade” for office parties such as “Lori’s 50th Birthday.” Other public money went for dog food and picnic tables.

Virginia – Some Legislative Aides in Virginia Do Double Duty as Campaign Staff

Virginia Mercury – Graham Moomaw | Published: 5/29/2024

In Congress, elected representatives are supposed to keep their taxpayer-funded offices mostly separate from their campaigns. In the Virginia General Assembly, rules walling off legislative offices from campaign activity are less clear. In one of Virginia’s congressional primary races, the campaign website for state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam previously listed the names of five people working as campaign staff. Four of those five were also identified as publicly funded legislative staffers for Subramanyam this year. But no campaign-side pay for those four Senate staffers has been disclosed on Subramanyan’s federal campaign finance reports.

Washington – Washington State GOP Contributions to Congressional Hopefuls Suggest Party May Have Helped Candidates Circumvent Election Law

Spokane Spokesman-Review – Emry Dinman | Published: 5/26/2024

Campaign finance reports and a text appear to show a GOP candidate for Congress circumvented federal election law with the aid of the Washington State Republican Party. Days before the March 31 cutoff for first-quarter campaign finance reports, as candidates tried to rake in any last-minute cash to demonstrate their momentum, the Washington GOP donated the legal maximum for the primary election, $5,000, to state Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber. Later, Maycumber donated $5,500 to the state party, not from her campaign account for Congress, but a surplus account from her prior runs for state office.

Campaign Finance

California: “More Orange County Cities Overhaul Campaign Finance Rules” by Hosam Ellatar for Voice of OC

Iowa: “Auditor: Ethics board made ‘no attempt’ to collect fines and can’t force payment” by Clark Kaufman for Iowa Capital Dispatch

Nevada: “Who’s Funding Negative Campaign Mail? Legal Loophole Helps Some Groups Avoid Disclosure” by Riley Snyder and Tabitha Mueller for Nevada Independent

Elections

National: “Voter Outreach Groups Targeted by New Laws in Several GOP-Led States Are Struggling to Do Their Work” by Ayanna Alexander (Associated Press) for MSN

Virginia: “Some Legislative Aides in Virginia Do Double Duty as Campaign Staff” by Graham Moomaw for Virginia Mercury

Ethics

National: “Justice Alito Tells Congress He Will Not Recuse from Jan. 6-Related Cases” by Ann Marimow and Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

Louisiana: “Lawmakers Give Landry Control Over Ethics Board Amid Dispute Over Discipline” by Julie O’Donoghue for Louisiana Illuminator

Massachusetts: “Massachusetts DPW Director Pays $17,000 Fine for Accepting Free Ski Trips, Other Gifts” by Rick Sobey for Boston Herald

Campaign Finance

National: “Former FTX Executive Ryan Salame Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Election Donor Scheme with Sam Bankman-Fried” by Josh Russell for Courthouse News Service

New Mexico: “State Ethics Commission Sues Apodacas Dark Money Operation” by Marjorie Childress (New Mexico In Depth) for Yahoo News

Washington: “Washington State GOP Contributions to Congressional Hopefuls Suggest Party May Have Helped Candidates Circumvent Election Law” by Emry Dinman for Spokane Spokesman-Review

Elections

National: “DNC Prepares to Nominate Biden Via ‘Virtual Roll Call’ Before Convention” by Patrick Svitek (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “More Independence, Sharper Teeth: Elliott’s ethics plan would overhaul how campaign, lobbying rules are enforced” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union Tribune) for MSN

National: “Judge Rejects Request to Restrict Trump’s Speech on FBI, Says Motion Was Faulty” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Hawaii: “Conflict of Interest? Some Hawaii Lawmakers Work for or Even Own Companies That Get State Contracts” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

Lobbying

New York: “Lobbying Loophole Bill Pushed Again, This Time Without LaSalle Lookback” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

Hawaii: “Mitsunaga Secretary Acquitted for Bribery Could Still Face State Campaign Violations” by Christina Jedra for Honolulu Civil Beat

Iowa: “Iowa Ethics Board Fines Candidate Melissa Vine, Former Campaign Manager for Illegal Contributions” by Robin Opsahl (Iowa Capital Dispatch) for Yahoo News

Elections

National: “A.I. Promised to Upend the 2024 Campaign. It Hasn’t Yet.” by Shane Goldmacher, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “Judge Temporarily Blocks Hastily Passed Election Law That Favored Democrats in November” by Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

National: “Trump Electors in Key States Want to Serve Again, Despite Criminal Charges” by Amy Gardner and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Gov. Mike DeWine Calls Special Legislative Session to Address Biden Ballot Issue” by Andrew Tobias (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Ethics

Maryland: “Marilyn Mosby Sentenced to 1 Year Home Detention for Perjury, Mortgage Fraud” by Jasmine Hilton and Katie Mettler (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Washington DC: “Lobbying Is the Lifeblood of DC’s Anemic Office Market” by Jeff Clabaugh for WTOP

Gov. Mike DeWine called a special session of the General Assembly to begin on Tuesday, May 28.

The purpose of the first special session in 20 years is to pass legislation ensuring both major party presidential candidates will be on the Ohio ballot in November.

A legislative fix is necessary because the late date of this year’s Democratic convention comes after Ohio’s statutory deadline to certify presidential candidates for the November ballot.

In the past, such issues have been handled with quick legislative fixes but a number of Republican legislators have balked this year.

Lawmakers will also consider legislation to prohibit campaign spending by foreign nationals.