January 3, 2018 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying “Roger Stone Retroactively Registers Lobbying Contract” by Megan Wilson for The Hill California: “L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times Missouri: “Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed” […]
Lobbying
“Roger Stone Retroactively Registers Lobbying Contract” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
California: “L.A. Could Exempt Many Nonprofits from Revealing Lobbying” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Ethics Complaint Against Big Missouri Campaign Donor is Dismissed” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
New York: “Howe Emailed Cuomo Officials on Private Accounts” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“The Modern Campaign-Finance Loophole: Governors Associations” by Susan Pulliam and Brody Mullins (Wall Street Journal) for MSN
Washington: “With Veto of City Council Ordinance, Condon Says Campaign Finance Better Left to the State” by Chad Sokol for Spokane Spokesman-Review
Ethics
Michigan: “FBI Wiretaps Reveal How Towing Titan Fiore Built His Empire” by Tresa Baldas and Keith Matheny for Detroit Free Press
South Dakota: “Ethics Measure Approved to Be on South Dakota’s 2018 Ballot” by James Nord (Associated Press) for PBS
Elections
“‘If We Don’t Run, Then We Won’t Achieve.’ Why a Record Number of Women Are Eyeing a Run for Governor.” by Karen Tumulty for Washington Post
“‘Fake News’: Wide reach but little impact, study suggests” by Benedict Carey for New York Times
“How the Russia Inquiry Began: A campaign aide, drinks and talk of political dirt” by Sharon LaFraniere, Mark Mazzetti, and Mat Apuzzo for New York Times
“Orin Hatch, Utah Senator, to Retire, Opening Path for Mitt Romney” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
January 2, 2018 •
FEC Adjusts Penalty Amounts for Inflation
On December 27, the Federal Election Commission published its civil monetary penalty amounts adjusted for inflation in the Federal Register. The potential fine for civil violations of federal campaign finance laws now ranges from $5,817 to $68,027. The amounts are […]
On December 27, the Federal Election Commission published its civil monetary penalty amounts adjusted for inflation in the Federal Register.
The potential fine for civil violations of federal campaign finance laws now ranges from $5,817 to $68,027.
The amounts are calculated through a statutory formula applying the most recent “cost-of-living adjustment multiplier,” issued by the Office of Management and Budget each December, to the current amounts.
The amended civil monetary penalties took effect as of December 27, the publication date.
January 2, 2018 •
Spokane, Washington Mayor to Veto Campaign Finance Ordinance
Spokane, Washington Mayor David Condon announced he is vetoing a campaign finance law passed by City Council on December 18. The Mayor issued a statement expressing concerns the law would not stand up to constitutional challenges, leaving the city vulnerable […]
Spokane, Washington Mayor David Condon announced he is vetoing a campaign finance law passed by City Council on December 18.
The Mayor issued a statement expressing concerns the law would not stand up to constitutional challenges, leaving the city vulnerable to expensive litigation.
Moreover, he argued campaign finance reform is better managed at the state level through the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission to avoid redundant oversight.
City Council could override the veto with five votes.
On December 29, South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs certified the South Dakota Voter Protection and Anti-Corruption Amendment as Constitutional Amendment W for the November 2018 ballot. If passed, Constitutional Amendment W would create an independent ethics commission, would […]
On December 29, South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs certified the South Dakota Voter Protection and Anti-Corruption Amendment as Constitutional Amendment W for the November 2018 ballot.
If passed, Constitutional Amendment W would create an independent ethics commission, would decrease limits on campaign donations, would bar gifts from lobbyists to many public officials, and would prevent the Legislature from altering or rejecting laws approved by ballot question without returning to the ballot.
More than 51 percent of voters supported a similar initiative in November 2016, but lawmakers repealed it in early 2017, citing constitutional concerns.
January 2, 2018 •
California Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas Resigns
California Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas resigned the California’s 54th State Assembly District seat, effective December 31, due to health issues. A special election will be held to fill the seat. No date has been set. Ridley-Thomas is the third assemblyman to […]
California Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas resigned the California’s 54th State Assembly District seat, effective December 31, due to health issues.
A special election will be held to fill the seat. No date has been set.
Ridley-Thomas is the third assemblyman to resign in the last month. His resignation leaves Democrats with 52 of the Assembly’s 80 members, which is two votes short of what once had been a two-thirds supermajority.
January 2, 2018 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Campaign Finance Virginia: “After Calls for Campaign Finance Reform, Gov.-Elect Ralph Northam Takes Corporate Money for Inauguration” by Graham Moomaw for Richmond Times-Dispatch Ethics “Statehouse Sexual Harassment Tally: At least 18 lawmakers gone or punished” by Jen Fifield for HuffPost […]
Campaign Finance
Virginia: “After Calls for Campaign Finance Reform, Gov.-Elect Ralph Northam Takes Corporate Money for Inauguration” by Graham Moomaw for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Ethics
“Statehouse Sexual Harassment Tally: At least 18 lawmakers gone or punished” by Jen Fifield for HuffPost
“Rick Gates: Fundraiser video did not violate gag order” by Louis Nelson for Politico
“Where Is Trump’s Cabinet? It’s Anybody’s Guess.” by Emily Holden for Politico
“‘We Have Tapped into Something’: Impeachment drive builds digital army to take on Trump” by Carla Marinucci and David Siders for Politico
“Ivanka Trump Wears Her Company’s Clothes in Social Media Posts, Raising Further Conflict of Interest Questions” by Greg Price for Newsweek
“Trump’s Clinton Tweets Cut Against Comey Firing Explanation” by Eric Tucker (Associated Press) for ABC News
California: “Santa Monica School District’s Conflict of Interest Investigation Expands to Three Board Members” by Adam Elmahrek and Benjamin Oreskes for Los Angeles Times
Elections
“Doug Jones Certified as Alabama’s First Democratic Senator in 25 Years” by Jenny Jarvie for Los Angeles Times
December 21, 2017 •
Happy Holidays from State and Federal Communications!
From all of us at State and Federal Communications, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Our offices will be closed from Friday, December 22, through Monday, December 25th, as we celebrate the season. Thank you so much […]
From all of us at State and Federal Communications, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Our offices will be closed from Friday, December 22, through Monday, December 25th, as we celebrate the season.
Thank you so much for being a part of our community. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the unparalleled expertise you’ve come to expect.
December 21, 2017 •
Louisiana Special Session Looming
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told state lawmakers this week he intends to call a special session of the Legislature in mid-February to address the state’s budget crisis. Gov. Edwards set a January 19 deadline for a tax deal to […]
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told state lawmakers this week he intends to call a special session of the Legislature in mid-February to address the state’s budget crisis.
Gov. Edwards set a January 19 deadline for a tax deal to be reached to help balance the budget, and will not call the special session if he does not think the issues will be resolved.
Temporary state sales taxes totaling $1 billion expire next July, and Gov. Edwards hopes a package of sales and income tax proposals can offset the impending deficit.
Tax bills cannot be considered during Louisiana’s regular sessions but require the Governor to call a special session for consideration.
If the session is called in February, it will be the sixth special session since Gov. Edwards took office in 2016.
December 21, 2017 •
Louisiana Special Election Scheduled
A special election has been set for February 17, 2018, to replace Louisiana lawmaker Chris Broadwater. Broadwater, a republican representative from the 86th district, submitted a letter of resignation this week to focus on spending time with his family. His […]
A special election has been set for February 17, 2018, to replace Louisiana lawmaker Chris Broadwater.
Broadwater, a republican representative from the 86th district, submitted a letter of resignation this week to focus on spending time with his family.
His resignation will be effective March 1 unless a successor is chosen before that date.
If necessary, a runoff election to fill the seat will be held on March 24, 2018.
December 21, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Louisiana: “LA’s Ethics Commission Wants More Transparency from Lobbyists” by Libby Denkmann for KPCC Campaign Finance “New Hope, New Problem: Will Federal Election Commission shut down?” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Arizona: “Law’s Wording to Play […]
Lobbying
Louisiana: “LA’s Ethics Commission Wants More Transparency from Lobbyists” by Libby Denkmann for KPCC
Campaign Finance
“New Hope, New Problem: Will Federal Election Commission shut down?” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Law’s Wording to Play Key Role in Court Case Involving APS’ Political Spending” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star
California: “L.A. Real Estate Developer and Billboard Executive Fined Over Political Donations” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Ethics
California: “Former Beaumont City Officials Plead Guilty to Felony Charges” by City News Service for Los Angeles Times
Florida: “Jack Latvala Resigns from the Florida Senate” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times
Nevada: “NV Legislature’s Administrative Arm Expands Harassment Rule” by Scott Sonner (Associated Press) for Sacramento Bee
Canada: “Trudeau Apologizes for Violating Ethics Laws with Visits to Aga Khan’s Island” by Catharine Tunney for CBC News
Elections
“Clashes Over State Ballot Initiatives Could Spill Into 2018” by James Nord (Associated Press) for Federal News Radio
“Senate Investigators Scrutinize Another Presidential Candidate: Jill Stein” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Virginia: “Virginia Court Tosses Out One-Vote Victory That Briefly Ended GOP Majority in House” by Jim Morrison and Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
December 20, 2017 •
Stocking the Sleigh
We’ve been Stock(ing) the Sleigh with socks for the homeless of Akron. A change of socks is one of the easiest and most profound ways to offer comfort to someone who lives outside and deals with cold, wet feet. I […]
We’ve been Stock(ing) the Sleigh with socks for the homeless of Akron. A change of socks is one of the easiest and most profound ways to offer comfort to someone who lives outside and deals with cold, wet feet.
I am thrilled to report we have collected about 300 pairs of socks for the Haven of Rest, which serves hundreds of homeless people in the Akron area.
Thank you to the staff for their generous giving this holiday season!
December 20, 2017 •
Los Angeles, California Ethics Commission Adopts Recommendations to Amend Lobbying Ordinance
On December 19, the Los Angeles, California Ethics Commission approved a set of recommendations requiring more disclosure from lobbyists, which will go to City Council for approval. The recommendations require lobbyists to disclose direct communications with city employees by specifying […]
On December 19, the Los Angeles, California Ethics Commission approved a set of recommendations requiring more disclosure from lobbyists, which will go to City Council for approval.
The recommendations require lobbyists to disclose direct communications with city employees by specifying the date of the communication, the employees title, division, and agency.
Additionally, the recommendations expand the current registration exemption for 501(c)(3) organizations.
December 20, 2017 •
Special Election Called for South Carolina House District 69
A special election has been called for House District 69. The vacancy is a result of South Carolina Rep. Rick Quinn Jr. pleading guilty to corruption charges. The special election will be held on May 1. The special primary will […]
A special election has been called for House District 69.
The vacancy is a result of South Carolina Rep. Rick Quinn Jr. pleading guilty to corruption charges.
The special election will be held on May 1.
The special primary will be held on February 27, with a special primary run-off election scheduled for March 13, if necessary.
December 20, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Florida: “The Florida House Speaker Who Attacks Special Interests Spends Their Money Lavishly – and Won’t Apologize” by Adam Smith and Eli Zhang for Tampa Bay Times New York: “JCOPE Tweaks Proposed Lobbying Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany […]
Lobbying
Florida: “The Florida House Speaker Who Attacks Special Interests Spends Their Money Lavishly – and Won’t Apologize” by Adam Smith and Eli Zhang for Tampa Bay Times
New York: “JCOPE Tweaks Proposed Lobbying Regulations” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
South Carolina: “Lobbying Is Completely Unregulated in Most S.C. Cities, Leaving Room for Possible Corruption” by Abigail Darlington for Charleston Post and Courier
Campaign Finance
“Surge in Out-of-State Donors Fuels Dems in Special Elections” by Ben Wieder and Alex Roarty for McClatchy DC
“Federal Regulators Approve Narrow Facebook Ad Disclosure” by Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
“In Small Win for Democrats, the Final Tax Bill Will Not Include a Provision Allowing Churches to Endorse Political Candidates” by Heather Long for Washington Post
New Mexico: “Public Financing System Undercut by Budget Holes” by Andrew Oxford for Santa Fe New Mexican
Wyoming: “Did Lawmakers Accidentally Open the Flood Gates for Political Dark Money in Wyoming?” by Arno Rosenfeld for Casper Star-Tribune
Ethics
Michigan: “Businessman Gets 21 Months in Macomb Corruption Scandal” by Robert Snell for Detroit News
Texas: “Board’s Handling of Ethics Policy Called a ‘Mockery’ by Concerned Citizens” by Diane Smith for Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Wisconsin: “Judge Acknowledges He Shouldn’t Have Authorized Release of Ethics Probe Details” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal
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