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More than 51 percent of voters supported a similar initiative in November 2016, but lawmakers repealed it in early 2017, citing constitutional concerns.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
December 19, 2017 •
Spokane, Washington Passes Local Campaign Finance Reform Laws
Spokane, Washington City Council passed a campaign finance reform ordinance on December 18. The new ordinance will cut in half the maximum allowable donation to candidates, from $1,000 to $500. Additional changes include pay-to-play provisions and election cycle contribution restrictions. […]
Spokane, Washington City Council passed a campaign finance reform ordinance on December 18.
The new ordinance will cut in half the maximum allowable donation to candidates, from $1,000 to $500.
Additional changes include pay-to-play provisions and election cycle contribution restrictions.
The new rules are scheduled to take effect January 17, 2018.
December 19, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government and Ethics News Roundup
Ethics Montana: Judge Eases Rules on Ethics Complaints Confidentiality for Elected Officials by Phil Drake for Great Falls Tribune North Carolina: Does A ‘Good Ol’ Boy’ Culture Pervade The North Carolina General Assembly? By Jeff Tiberii for KUNC South Carolina: […]
Ethics
Montana: Judge Eases Rules on Ethics Complaints Confidentiality for Elected Officials by Phil Drake for Great Falls Tribune
North Carolina: Does A ‘Good Ol’ Boy’ Culture Pervade The North Carolina General Assembly? By Jeff Tiberii for KUNC
South Carolina: Corruption Probe Evidence Suggests Pervasive Pattern of Political Meddling by Powerful Quinns by Glenn Smith for Charleston Post and Courier
South Dakota: South Dakota Lawmakers to Train in Sexual Harassment Prevention by Dana Ferguson for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
West Virginia: WV House Leaders Back Bill Amending Ethics Act to Include Volunteers by Jake Zuckerman for Charleston Gazette
Lobbying
Executives of Springfield Nonprofit Linked to $1 Million in Illegal Political Activity by Harrison Keegan and Alissa Zhu for Springfield New-Leader
Utah: Salt Lake Hires Ex-Utah League of Cities and Towns Director by Katie McKellar for Deseret News
Virginia: Dorothy McAuliffe Put Aside Pomp as Hard-Lobbying Virginia First Lady by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
Fallout from Allegations of Tea Party Targeting Hamper IRS Oversight of Nonprofits by Robert O’Harrow Jr. for Washington Post
Washington: Spokane City Council Passes Local Campaign Finance Reform Laws by Kip Hill for Spokane Spokesman-Review
December 18, 2017 •
FEC Elects Caroline Hunter as Chairwoman
On December 14, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) elected Caroline C. Hunter as its chairwoman for 2018. Hunter replaces Steven T. Walther, who was appointed to the commission in 2006. The chairmanship is a rotating, one-year position. Ellen L. Weintraub […]
On December 14, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) elected Caroline C. Hunter as its chairwoman for 2018. Hunter replaces Steven T. Walther, who was appointed to the commission in 2006.
The chairmanship is a rotating, one-year position. Ellen L. Weintraub was elected as Vice Chair for next year.
Additionally, at the same regularly held open meeting, the FEC unanimously approved 12 legislative recommendations be submitted for consideration to the U.S. Congress.
The recommendations concern subject matters such as electronically filing senate reports, increasing and indexing for inflation registration and reporting thresholds, and prohibiting fraudulent practices of PACs.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.