February 7, 2018 •
Louisiana Special Session Likely
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has set Friday as a deadline to determine whether a special session of the Legislature will be called to close a $1 billion fiscal cliff in the state’s budget expiring in July of this year. […]
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has set Friday as a deadline to determine whether a special session of the Legislature will be called to close a $1 billion fiscal cliff in the state’s budget expiring in July of this year.
The session would begin February 19 and adjourn before the regularly scheduled legislative session set to convene March 12. Legislators from both parties have been working to get close enough to a resolution for Gov. Edwards to call the special session.
A special session to remedy the budget shortfall could also be called in June if it does not happen by March.
February 7, 2018 •
California Bill Would Suspend Lobbyist up to Four Years for Sexual Harassment
Under a California bill introduced on February 6, registered lobbyists could face suspension up to four years if found to have committed an act of sexual harassment. Assembly Bill 2055 requires the Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate sexual harassment […]
Under a California bill introduced on February 6, registered lobbyists could face suspension up to four years if found to have committed an act of sexual harassment.
Assembly Bill 2055 requires the Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate sexual harassment complaints made against registered lobbyists.
Sexual harassment would be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that arises out of or in the course of employment.
February 7, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Washington: “Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law” by David Ingram for Reuters West Virginia: “Trial of Morgantown Coal Boss Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks” by Matt Harvey for WV News Ethics Federal: “House Prohibits […]
Campaign Finance
Washington: “Seattle Says Facebook Is Violating City Campaign Finance Law” by David Ingram for Reuters
West Virginia: “Trial of Morgantown Coal Boss Ends in Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks” by Matt Harvey for WV News
Ethics
Federal: “House Prohibits Sexual Relationships Between Lawmakers and Their Staffers” by Elise Viebeck and Jenna Portnoy for Washington Post
Federal: “Document Shows GSA Employees Spending at the Trump Hotel in DC” by Cristina Alesci and Curt Devine for CNN
National: “Trump’s Lawyers Want Him to Refuse an Interview in Russia Inquiry” by Michael Schmidt and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for MSN
Alabama: “Alabama Legislature Could Consider Ethics Law Changes” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Arizona: “Lawmaker Wants ‘Explicit’ Photos from Sexual Harassment Investigation Kept Secret” by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez for Arizona Republic
Florida: “This Casino Town Has a Dark Side – Conspiracies, ‘Corruption’ and Calls for a Takeover” by Martin Vasollo and Carli Teproff (Miami Herald) for Tampa Bay Times
Lobbying
Florida: “FBI Lays Out Case for Bribery, Mail Fraud in Search Warrant” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
February 6, 2018 •
Baltimore County, Maryland Lobbyist Trainings Scheduled
Last year, County Exec. Kevin Kamenetz signed Bill No. 35-17 into law. The bill requires registered lobbyists to complete ethics training within the first six months of registration and once a year thereafter. Training sessions have been scheduled at 9:30 […]
Last year, County Exec. Kevin Kamenetz signed Bill No. 35-17 into law.
The bill requires registered lobbyists to complete ethics training within the first six months of registration and once a year thereafter.
Training sessions have been scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on February 8 and June 4. Registration for the either training is available at the baltimore county website.
February 6, 2018 •
Tallahassee Commissioners Adopt Stricter Gifts Laws for City Officials
The city commission adopted changes to Tallahassee’s ethics rules, taking aim at improper interactions between elected officials and those seeking official action. Changes to the ordinance include a ban on city officials soliciting gifts from vendors and lobbyists and a […]
The city commission adopted changes to Tallahassee’s ethics rules, taking aim at improper interactions between elected officials and those seeking official action.
Changes to the ordinance include a ban on city officials soliciting gifts from vendors and lobbyists and a prohibition on city officials accepting gifts totaling more than $100 in a calendar year.
These changes are effective upon final passage.
February 6, 2018 •
Cuomo Calls Special Election for 11 Vacant Seats
Gov. Andrew Cuomo called a special election for April 24, 2018. The special election is needed to fill nine vacant Assembly seats and two vacant Senate seats. The Senate races may garner a lot of fanfare as Democrats hope to […]
Gov. Andrew Cuomo called a special election for April 24, 2018.
The special election is needed to fill nine vacant Assembly seats and two vacant Senate seats.
The Senate races may garner a lot of fanfare as Democrats hope to win both seats and gain control of the New York Senate.
February 6, 2018 •
Comment Period for FEC Rulemaking Proposal Concerning Multistate Independent Expenditures and Electioneering Communications Ends March 30
On March 30, the public comment period will end for proposed Federal Election Commission (FEC) rulemaking concerning independent expenditures by candidates and reporting of independent expenditures and electioneering communications relating to presidential primary elections. The covered independent expenditures and electioneering […]
On March 30, the public comment period will end for proposed Federal Election Commission (FEC) rulemaking concerning independent expenditures by candidates and reporting of independent expenditures and electioneering communications relating to presidential primary elections.
The covered independent expenditures and electioneering communications are specific to those publicly distributed in multiple states and not referring to any particular state’s primary election.
On January 29, the announcement of these proposed rulemakings was published in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted directly to the FEC’s website.
February 6, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Virginia: “Dozens of Virginia Churches Have Been Donating Cash to Campaigns for Years, Despite Law” by Bill Bartell for The Virginian-Pilot Elections Florida: “Judge Strikes Down Florida’s System for Denying Felons’ Voting Rights” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa […]
Campaign Finance
Virginia: “Dozens of Virginia Churches Have Been Donating Cash to Campaigns for Years, Despite Law” by Bill Bartell for The Virginian-Pilot
Elections
Florida: “Judge Strikes Down Florida’s System for Denying Felons’ Voting Rights” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
Ethics
Florida: “Tallahassee Commission Adopts Broad New Ethics Rules” by Jeffrey Schweers for Tallahassee Democrat
Massachusetts: “Hefner Had Access to Rosenberg’s E-mails” by Yvonne Abraham for Boston Globe
South Carolina: “SC Special Prosecutor Wants to Toss Out Quinn’s Guilty Plea If He Won’t Admit Crime” by John Monk for The State
Tennessee: “Mayor Megan Barry Potentially Violated Her Own Ethics Rules During Affair with Officer, Experts Say” by Adam Tamburin (USA Today) for The Tennessean
Lobbying
California: “Oakland Asks District Attorney to Investigate Alleged Bribes by Cannabis Lobbyist” by Darwin BondGraham for East Bay Times
Redistricting
National: “Opponents of Gerrymandering Keep Winning, But It Might Not Affect 2018” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
National: “In Blow to GOP, U.S. Supreme Court to Allow Pennsylvania Redistricting” by Jonathan Lai and Liz Navratil for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 5, 2018 •
Monday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser Elections Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Attorney General’s Office Appears to Be Investigating Campaign Finance Documents” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Elections
Pennsylvania: “Bob Brady Is Not Running for Reelection” by Holly Otterbein, Chris Brennan, and Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
Federal: “Revolving Door Between Trump Pentagon, Contractors Spins Faster” by Sam Skolnik for Bloomberg Government
Arizona: “Arizona House Expels Yuma Rep. Don Shooter After Sexual-Harassment Findings” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
District of Columbia: “D.C. Will Not Reappoint Open Government Watchdog Who Ruled Against City” by Peter Jamison for Washington Post
West Virginia: “Ethics Commission OKs Tourism Contract with Justice’s Greenbrier Resort” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette-Mail
Lobbying
Florida: “Lobbyist Accuses Legislator of Retaliation Over His Role in Sexual Harassment Case” by Mary Ellen Klas for Miami Herald
Redistricting
Pennsylvania: “Sen. Scarnati Refuses Pa. Supreme Court Order to Turn Over Map Data in Gerrymander Case” by Jonathan Lai for Philadelphia Inquirer
February 2, 2018 •
NYCU Video Digest – February 2, 2018
With the amount of news this week, you can’t afford to miss this week’s news you can use video digest!
With the amount of news this week, you can’t afford to miss this week’s news you can use video digest!
February 2, 2018 •
See Us In Person
State and Federal Communications has a busy February planned! See us at one of these events: February 5-8 Public Affairs Council Advocacy Conference, Orlando, Florida February 9 Akron Rubber Ducks Hot Stove Banquet with Roberto Alomar, Akron, Ohio February 13 […]
State and Federal Communications has a busy February planned! See us at one of these events:
February 5-8 Public Affairs Council Advocacy Conference, Orlando, Florida
February 9 Akron Rubber Ducks Hot Stove Banquet with Roberto Alomar, Akron, Ohio
February 13 15th Annual Friends of National Service Awards, Washington, D.C.
February 13 Akron Press Club State of the Schools with David James, Akron, Ohio
February 15 Akron PRSA–Annual Media Panel Discussion, Akron, Ohio
February 16 Akron Roundtable, Akron, Ohio
February 20 United Way Campaign Celebration, Akron, Ohio
February 23-26 National Governors Association–Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C.
February 23 WGR Governors Reception, Washington, D.C.
February 27 The Business Technology Forecast, Akron, Ohio
February 28 State of the City Address with Mayor Dan Horrigan, Akron, Ohio
February 2, 2018 •
Celebrating 20 Years of Dedication
Small business owners spend a lot of time thinking of ways to make things happen. We are not expert at everything and nothing grows if staff is not added to help move things along. Twenty years ago, I was in […]
Small business owners spend a lot of time thinking of ways to make things happen. We are not expert at everything and nothing grows if staff is not added to help move things along.
Twenty years ago, I was in that position.
We were jumping on the new information superhighway and working with a local company to take all the pages from our publications—which was a multiple binder and loose-leaf behemoth—and put them on our website. Guess what…it was not happening as fast as we wanted for our clients.
What to do?
I spoke with Renold Koozer, my brother-in-law, who at the time was a stay-at-home dad raising his four-year-old son in Alexandria, Virginia. He was looking for work to do either at night or weekends and I knew he was savvy with computers. He was interested, and we made things happen fast!
Do you remember Gateway PCs? The computers that arrived in big cow boxes?
I sent the computer to Ren, made arrangements with DC-based Triad Communications, a company expert at putting items on the Internet, and he began editing our new website text.
After a few years, I found the need for a full-time website person in our Akron office. He and his little family moved, and he began his career here. Initially, he spent hours dealing with the organization of our website. As the years went on, he took responsibility for all computers, printers, typewriters, fax machines, and anything else with a cord. In an office that constantly updated products, the position of an I.T. Manager was necessary. As time continued he now has a great staff and Ren deals with operational issues at the company and introduces us to programs to help with our work—including our CRM, databases for our consulting work, databases for our online subscribers, coding, and pretty much anything I toss over to him.
I know what I can do…I run a company and the primary marketing person for our consulting services. Everyone has responsibilities to provide quality work for our clients. But, nothing gets done if we don’t have lightning-fast internet connection, quality computers that can take a beating, updated software, a network to store our compliance and research work, a CRM to market, and a calm Executive Director who gets things done. We are a team. He is—as Jean-Luc Picard would say—my #1.
Happy 20th Anniversary with State and Federal Communications, Inc., Ren Koozer. Your abilities and skills make it easy for everyone on staff and our clients to do the work.
February 2, 2018 •
Utah Bill Would Prevent Lobbyist Spending
A bill was introduced in Utah restricting funds from a campaign account owned by a lobbyist. House Bill 213 prohibits a lobbyist from using his or her own campaign account money for political purposes, unless the expenditure is in support […]
A bill was introduced in Utah restricting funds from a campaign account owned by a lobbyist.
House Bill 213 prohibits a lobbyist from using his or her own campaign account money for political purposes, unless the expenditure is in support of the candidacy of that lobbyist.
The bill passed the first reading and is currently in the House Business and Labor Committee.
February 2, 2018 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 2, 2018
National: Just How Bad is Partisan Gerrymandering? Ask the Mapmakers. New York Times – Michael Wines | Published: 1/29/2018 Eric Hawkins, an analyst for the political consulting firm NCEC Services, is part of a cottage industry of statisticians, computer jockeys, […]
National:
Just How Bad is Partisan Gerrymandering? Ask the Mapmakers.
New York Times – Michael Wines | Published: 1/29/2018
Eric Hawkins, an analyst for the political consulting firm NCEC Services, is part of a cottage industry of statisticians, computer jockeys, and political sages whose business is to turn demographic data into electoral maps. His firm works exclusively with Democrats; others – like Geographic Strategies, run by the former Republican Party redistricting expert Thomas Hofeller – are loyal to Republicans. If most mapmakers are partisan, their work goes well beyond back-room politics. A good map meets constitutional requirements, such as allotting an equal number of people to every district, and respecting racial and ethnic populations. For their part, mapmakers point out their job is to implement political will, not to determine it.
Federal:
CDC Director Resigns Because of Conflicts Over Financial Interests
Washington Post – Lena Sun | Published: 1/31/2018
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Brenda Fitzgerald resigned, one day after reports that she traded tobacco stocks while heading the agency. Fitzgerald has said she divested from many stock holdings. But she and her husband were legally obligated to maintain other investments in cancer detection and health information technology, according to her ethics agreement, requiring Fitzgerald to pledge to avoid government business that might affect those interests. In Congress, some lawmakers had become increasingly concerned over Fitzgerald’s ability to do her job effectively.
Trump Groups Raised Millions, Then Paid It Out to Loyalists and a Trump Hotel
Las Vegas Sun – Kenneth Vogel and Rachel Shorey (New York Times) | Published: 1/25/2018
President Trump’s close political advisers are making millions of dollars working for several different entities gearing up for Trump’s re-election campaign, raising questions about whether they are following campaign finance laws designed to keep campaigns from coordinating with big-money outside groups. Campaign finance reports shed light on a network of groups that were formed to support Trump, but have spent less than other groups bolstering his agenda, while steering money to the president’s businesses and his most ardent surrogates.
Why the Russia Probe Demolished One Lobbying Firm but Spared Another
Politico – Theodoric Meyer | Published: 2/1/2018
Paul Manafort, President Trump’s former campaign chief, once arranged the hiring of the lobbying firms Podesta Group and Mercury to work on behalf of a nonprofit that was ostensibly independent but which prosecutors say was “under the ultimate direction” of the president of Ukraine. Manfaort has been indicted on charges that include violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The Podesta Group collapsed within weeks of Manafort’s indictment, but Mercury just had its best year ever. There is no single explanation for why one firm imploded while the other appears to be relatively unscathed, but it is evident the Podesta Group was under pressures that Mercury did not face.
From the States and Municipalities:
Alabama – Patricia Todd Says Campaign Subpoena Was ‘Last Straw’ in Decision to Not Seek Re-election
AL.com – Roy Johnson | Published: 1/30/2018
Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd says the state’s ethics laws regarding interactions between lawmakers and non-profits made it difficult, if not impossible, for her to get a job in her profession as an advocate in the non-profit sector. But after Todd announced she will not run for re-election, she received an offer from the Consumer Financial Education Foundation of America which she accepted. Todd said potential employers were skittish about regulations that consider anyone whose job entails speaking with a legislator as a lobbyist, and rules around interactions between lawmakers and lobbyists are strict.
Florida – Proposed Change to Sexual Harassment Bill Adds Sex to Lobbying Gift Ban
Florida Politics – Ana Ceballos | Published: 1/29/2018
Sexual favors between Florida legislators and lobbyists could be illegal under a proposed amendment to a bill. Sen. Lauren Book wants to incorporate any type of sexual conduct, whether engaging in it or directing others to do it, into the state’s gift ban. The change would apply to any public official, including an “employee of an agency or local government attorney.” It would also require anyone who files a public disclosure of their financial interests to certify they have reviewed the new gift ban policy.
Illinois – IG Office: Sex harassment legislation needs teeth for lobbyists
State Journal-Register – Maximilian Kwiatkowski | Published: 1/30/2018
Sexual harassment legislation passed last year is weak when it comes to requiring lobbyists to cooperate with investigations, according to two representatives of the Illinois secretary of state’s inspector general’s office. Deputy Inspector General Randy Blue said the laws do not contain strong enough penalties or ways to enforce the rules on lobbyists working in the Capitol. Prior to the legislation, the secretary of state’s jurisdiction involving lobbyists was solely with their registration and expenditure reports. Now, it oversees sexual harassment allegations, too.
Kansas – Kansas Intern Confidentiality Rule: What happens in a lawmaker’s office stays there
Kansas City Star – Lindsay Wise (McClatchy) and Hunter Woodall | Published: 1/29/2018
The Kansas Legislature requires interns to sign agreements to keep anything that takes place or is said in a lawmaker’s office confidential, or the interns could be fired. Employment law experts who reviewed the agreement say it is written so broadly it could deter interns from reporting harassment or illegal activity, and might violate the First Amendment. Legislative leaders say the agreement is intended to remind interns that private political discussions should stay private, although they acknowledge the intention is not clear.
New York – 2 Donors Plead Guilty, but the Mayor Is Not Charged. Why?
New York Times – William Rashbaum and William Neuman | Published: 1/26/2018
A major donor to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio testified he made donations to an elected official that sources identify as the mayor to win favorable treatment from City Hall. Harendra Singh made the “pay-to-play” assertion during a plea proceeding in October 2016, but his statement remained hidden from public view until now. The mayor’s ties to Singh and several other campaign donors for whom he did favors were investigated by federal prosecutors. They decided not to bring charges against de Blasio or his aides, but in doing so, they issued a cutting statement raising questions about the mayor’s ethics and making it clear he had done favors for donors.
North Carolina – In Power Struggle with GOP Lawmakers, Cooper Wins Election Board Revamp Lawsuit
Raleigh News and Observer – Anne Blythe | Published: 1/26/2018
The North Carolina Supreme Court limited the Republican-dominated Legislature’s efforts to minimize Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s ability to pursue his goals, declaring unconstitutional a law devising a state elections board that hinted at deadlock. The justices ruled Cooper could not be forced to pick a politically divided, eight-member elections board from names the two major political parties selected. The law prevented the governor from removing members with whom he disagreed unless there was wrongdoing. The law makes Cooper unable to fulfill his duties to ensure election laws are followed because half of the board will be people who will probably oppose the governor’s policy preferences, the majority opinion said.
South Dakota – Ex-SD Lawmaker Returns Lobbyist Credentials Amid Concerns
Rapid City Journal – Bob Mercer | Published: 1/29/2018
Former South Dakota Sen. Corey Brown said he has given back the lobbyist badge he received to represent Sanford Health at the 2018 legislative session amid a concern he might be breaking a state law. The Legislature decided last year that many former state government officials must wait two years before starting work as private lobbyists in South Dakota. Brown retired from the Legislature at the end of 2016. He began work January 8 for Sanford Health as senior legislative specialist for South Dakota. “The confusion comes because there are different interpretations of the law,” Brown said.
Tennessee – Nashville Mayor Megan Barry Admits to Extramarital Relationship with Top Police Security Officer
The Tennessean – Joey Garrison, Nate Rau, and Dave Boucher | Published: 1/31/2018
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry apologized for having an affair with the head of her security detail, Sgt. Robert Forrest Jr. of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The affair has drawn scrutiny to the overtime that Forrest accrued while managing her detail. Forrest accompanied Barry on trips to Paris, Athens, Washington, New York, and other cities in the past year. He racked up around $33,000 in expenses for the trips and more than $50,000 in overtime in 2017 on top of an $84,500 salary. Nine of the trips were only Barry and Forrest, including a trip to Greece in September.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Ethics Commission Hits Pause Button after Senate Rejects Director
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Patrick Marley | Published: 1/25/2018
Wisconsin Ethics Commission Administrator Brian Bell returned to his old job at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services as a policy analyst, two days after Senate Republicans refused to confirm his appointment to the commission. Ethics Commission Chairperson David Halbrooks said he hoped to eventually bring back Bell as its director but wanted to wait to see what happens on the legal and legislative front in the coming weeks.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
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