Campaign Finance

Pennsylvania: “Pa. House Passes Bill to Require Electronically Filed Campaign Finance Reports” by Associated Press for Yahoo News

Elections

Arizona: “Democratic Senate Hopeful Claims Primary Residence in Arizona – and D.C.” by Daniel Lippman (Politico) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Justice Thomas Delays Disclosures After Reports of Travel, Property Sale” by Ann Marimow and Robert Barnes (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Second Jobs for Chicago Aldermen Would Be Restricted or Even Banned Under Proposed Ordinance” by A.D. Quig (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

National: “Through Ties to Saudis, Golf Deal Promises Benefits to Trump” by Eric Lipton (New York Times) for Yahoo News

National: “Conservatives Seek Control Over Public Universities with State Bills” by Susan Svrluga (Washington Post) for MSN

Nevada: “Lombardo Violated Ethics Laws, State Commission Executive Director Says” by Jessica Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal) for MSN

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Board Approves Nation’s First Religious Public Charter School” by Nuria Martinez-Keel (Oklahoman) for MSN

The Connecticut Legislature adjourned sine die on June 7 after passing a two-year $51 billion state budget.

The budget includes historic cuts to personal income taxes and the reduction is predicted to benefit approximately 1 million of the state’s 1.7 million income tax filers.

The new budget also boosts state aid for local school districts by an additional $329 million.

Once the budget is signed by Gov. Lamont, it will take effect July 1.

This does affect lobbying reporting. The final monthly activity report is due July 10.

Alabama lawmakers officially concluded the 2023 legislative session on June 6.

Legislation that passed included a grocery tax reduction, an exemption from state income tax for overtime work, and a tax rebate for both individual and married tax filers.

The $3 billion budget surplus ultimately gave way to what lawmakers called historic tax relief.

Gov. Joe Lombardo has called lawmakers back for a special session to reach an agreement on a key budget bill.

The Legislature will meet in the afternoon on June 7 to discuss the proposed bill.

Furthermore, there is speculation that a second special session will be held later in the week to further deliberate over the Athletics’ stadium proposal.

There are no changes in lobbyist reporting due to this special session.

Campaign Finance National: “The Spam and the Scam: What’s driving those incessant political fundraising email and text campaigns blowing up your inbox” by Madison Hall (Business Insider) for Yahoo News Rhode Island: “New Bill Could Bring Big Changes to RI Political Donations. Here’s What’s Proposed.” by Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) for Yahoo News Elections National: “Supreme Court Tossed Out Heart of Voting Rights Act a Decade Ago, Prompting Wave of New Voting Rules” by Christina Cassidy and Ayanna Alexander (Associated Press) for MSN Ethics California: “San Francisco Ethics Watchdog Decries ‘Severe’ Cuts Under Mayor’s Budget” by Mike Ege for San Francisco Standard National: “These Academics Studied Falsehoods Spread by Trump. Now the GOP Wants Answers.” by Naomi Nix and Joseph Menn (Washington Post) for MSN Illinois: “Aldermen Use Expense Accounts to Pay Ex-Park District Official Who Resigned Amid Lifeguard Scandal” by Alex Harrison (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News Nebraska: “Nebraska Agency Rejects Conflict-of-Interest Complaint Against Sen. Megan Hunt” by Erin Barner (Omaha World-Herald) for Lincoln Journal Star Lobbying Pennsylvania: “The Ethics Board Has Fined a Real Estate Firm Tied to the 76ers for Failing to Disclose it Lobbied for a Proposed Arena” by Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

The Nevada Legislature adjourned sine die on June 6 after failing to pass all five necessary budget bills.

In the rush of the final session day, the public funding bill for a relocated Oakland Athletics stadium failed to pass, leaving the teams future in question.

Gov. Joe Lombardo is expected to call a special session in the next few days to pass the final budget bill dealing with capital improvements and to further discuss the plans for the new Athletics stadium.

This does affect lobbyist reporting. The final report for the regular session is due July 6.

I have learned so much about the Girl Scouts, especially Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. The organization honored me as one of the Women of Distinction Honorees along with nine other women in the area.

Background of Girl Scouts

Juliette Gordon Low—also known by her nickname “Daisy”—started Girl Scouts in 1912 in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The first troop was made up of 18 girls who all shared a sense of curiosity and a belief they could do anything.

Think about it. In 1912, women in the United States could not yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing. That small gathering of girls, more than 100 years ago, ignited a movement across America where every girl could unlock her full potential, find lifelong friends, and make the world a better place.

Those Delicious Cookies

In 1917, Girl Scout Cookies were originally home baked by girl members with moms volunteering as technical advisers. The sale of cookies to finance troop activities began five years after Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts in the United States. The Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, baked cookies and sold them in its high school cafeteria as a service project.

Throughout the next decade, Girl Scouts in different parts of the country continued to bake their own simple sugar cookies with their mothers and with help from the community. These cookies were packaged in wax paper bags, sealed with a sticker, and sold door-to-door for 25 to 35 cents per dozen.

We know now the prices are $5 a box and there are more varieties than the three offered in the 1930s. I forgot they are all kosher. A few years ago, I made the decision to buy Girl Scout cookies. This year I purchased a record 1,032 boxes from 86 Scouts from around the country. I put the word out on Facebook and moms (mostly) send me a link to order. Since I personally buy them the first year I had them delivered to my house, but that took up most of the foyer. The following years, I just took the time to use separate “bill to” and “deliver to” addresses.

The Scouts I support have slipped in thank you cards in the boxes, and I always feel a little closer to them. I love the badge they earned for participating in this project and I must admit John Chames, my husband, buys his own stash when he sees them at the grocery store. [He doesn’t get the cookies I buy.]

This year I have donated ALL the cookies to the Good Samaritans Food Bank program at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron. Good Samaritans provides food to those in our community who are unable to feed their families. Cookies are a great treat to those who truly must watch how money is spent.

I cannot put this much time to multiple service groups. I am proud of this service project that I do for our Scouts. I call these Scouts “future interns” at State and Federal Communications. Starting girls early with the Girl Scouts is a great leadership program. It helped many women we know—Senator Hillary Clinton, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, and Venus Williams to name just some.

Until next month think how you can be a great part of your community and in 2024 when you see the Girl Scouts at various plazas, please know your $5 contribution helps them with their leadership badge.

Elections National: “Republicans Set Presidential Debate Rules That Could Exclude Some” by Michael Scherer and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “N.J. Sen. Bob Menendez Escaped Legal Peril Once. Can He Do It Again?” by Isaac Stanley-Becker and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Trump Lawyer’s Notes Could Be a Key in the Classified Documents Inquiry” by Alan Feuer, Ben Protess, and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for Yahoo News Illinois: “Politically Connected Businessman James Weiss Heads to Trial Amid Swirling Investigations, Intrigue” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for MSN Maryland: “The Cozy Relationships and Shadowy Disclosures Behind Baltimore’s $8M Police Consent Decree” by Ben Conarck for Baltimore Banner Pennsylvania: “Shapiro Won’t Share Daily Calendar, a Departure from Previous Pa. Governor’s Transparency” by Katie Meyer for Spotlight PA Tennessee: “Tennessee Drag Ban Is Unconstitutional, Federal Judge Rules” by Caroline Anders (Washington Post) for MSN Lobbying Florida: “Accused of Corruption, Latin Leader Uses Mystery Money, Florida Firms Amid Impeachment Fight” by Antonio Maria Delgado and Kevin Hall (Miami Herald) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance National: “Prosecutors Scrutinize Political Nonprofit Groups for Fund-Raising Fraud” by David Fahrenthold, William Rashbaum, and Tiff Fehr (New York Times) for DNyuz Elections Georgia: “Georgia Probe of Trump Broadens to Activities in Other States” by Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics Florida: “How a Developer Pushing a Luxury Coral Gables High Rise Became a Tenant of the Mayor” by Tess Riski (Miami Herald) for MSN New Mexico: “Candidate Charged with Shooting at Democrats’ Homes After Election Loss” by Ben Brasch and Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “Cuomo Seeks to Upend Ethics Commission and Keep $5M Book Payment” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union Ohio: “A Former Ohio House Speaker Says He’s the Victim of His Corrupt Successor” by Jake Zuckerman and Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN Legislative Issues Texas: “How Angela Paxton Could Help Decide the Fate of Her Embattled Husband, Ken” by J. David Goodman (New York Times) for DNyuz Lobbying Kentucky: “Group Pushing to Expand Service Boundary Won’t Release Donors. They Don’t Have to in Lexington” by Beth Musgrave (Lexington Herald-Leader) for Yahoo News

National/Federal

Nikki Haley Slams Foreign Lobbyists While Accepting Funds from Them

ABC News – Soo Rin Kim | Published: 5/31/2023

Despite calling for a ban on foreign lobbying, in which Americans lobby lawmakers and the public for foreign interests, Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has raised tens of thousands of dollars in donations from foreign lobbyists, disclosure reports show. Haley has recently been campaigning on her opposition to foreign lobbying, saying that embassies, and not private consultants or lobbyist agents, should represent foreign interests in the U.S.

Trump Workers Moved Mar-a-Lago Boxes a Day Before FBI Came for Documents

MSN – Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, Spencer Hsu, and Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 5/25/2023

Two of Donald Trump’s employees moved boxes of papers the day before a visit by FBI agents and a prosecutor to the former president’s Florida home to retrieve classified documents in response to a subpoena, timing that investigators have come to view as suspicious and an indication of possible obstruction. Trump and his aides also allegedly carried out a “dress rehearsal” for moving sensitive papers even before his office received the May 2022 subpoena. Prosecutors in addition have gathered evidence indicating Trump kept classified documents in his office in a place where they were visible and sometimes showed them to others.

DEA’s Failure to Punish Distributor Blamed in Opioid Crisis Raises Revolving Door Questions

MSN – Jim Mustian and Joshua Goodman (Associated Press) | Published: 5/30/2023

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has allowed one of the nation’s largest wholesale drug distributors, Morris & Dickson Co., to keep shipping addictive painkillers for nearly four years after a judge recommended it be stripped of its license for its “cavalier disregard” of thousands of suspicious orders fueling the opioid crisis. A consultant the company hired to stave off punishment is now DEA Administrator Anne Milgram’s top deputy. The delay raised concerns about how the “revolving door” between government and industry may be impacting the DEA’s mission to police drug companies.

Recent Attacks Put Staffers on Edge as Authorities Look for Answers

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 5/31/2023

There has been a string of highly publicized attacks on Capitol Hill aides that have left staff on edge and are raising questions about security, especially away from Washington. Protecting members and staff away from Washington is no small task with 535 members of Congress, many with multiple district offices that are often positioned strategically to encourage foot traffic.

Prosecutors Have Recording of Trump Discussing Sensitive Iran Document

MSN – Devlin Barrett, Josh Dawsey, and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) | Published: 5/31/2023

Special counsel Jack Smith has obtained a 2021 recording in which Donald Trump appears to brag about having a classified document related to Iran, suggesting the former president understood both the legal and security concerns around his possession of such restricted information. The audio features Trump describing a document he claims is about possibly attacking Iran, expressing a desire to share that information with others but also making some kind of acknowledgment he should not do so.

Ron DeSantis Administration Officials Solicit Campaign Cash from Lobbyists

NBC News – Matt Dixon and Jonathan Allen | Published: 5/25/2023

Officials who work for Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration – not his campaign – have been sending text messages to Florida lobbyists soliciting political contributions for DeSantis’s presidential bid, a breach of traditional norms that has raised ethical and legal questions and left many here in the state capital shocked. Text messages from four officials, including those directly in the governor’s office and with leadership positions in state agencies. They requested the recipient of the message contribute to the governor’s campaign through a specific link that appeared to track who is giving as part of a “bundle” program.

Talk of Racism Proves Thorny for G.O.P. Candidates of Color

Yahoo News – Jonathan Weisman and Trip Gabriel (New York Times) | Published: 6/1/2023

In bolstering their own biographies with stories of overcoming discrimination, Republican candidates of color running for the president have put forth views about race that at times appear at odds with their view of the country – often denying the existence of a system of racism in America while describing situations that sound just like it. The clashing views of the role race plays in America are a major theme of the 2024 election, underpinning cultural battles over “wokeness.” Behind the debate over structural racism is a secondary debate over the meaning of the stories that politicians tell about themselves.

Missteps and Miscalculations: Inside Fox’s legal and business debacle

Yahoo News – Jim Rutenberg, Michael Schmidt, and Jeremy Peters (New York Times) | Published: 5/28/2023

A series of missteps and miscalculations plagued Fox Corporation’s response to Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, according to a review of court and business records and interviews. The case resulted in the largest known settlement in a defamation suit, $787.5 million; two shareholder lawsuits; and the benching of Fox’s top prime-time star, Tucker Carlson. For all of that, Fox still faces a lawsuit seeking even more in damages filed by Smartmatic, another subject of the stolen-election theory, which can now build on the evidence produced in the Dominion case to press its own considerable claims.

Feinstein, Back in the Senate, Relies Heavily on Staff to Function

Yahoo News – Annie Karni (New York Times) | Published: 5/29/2023

As Dianne Feinstein’s reclaims her seat in the U.S. Senate, she is surrounded by a retinue of staff members who serve not only the roles of typical congressional aides – advising on policy, keeping tabs on the schedule, drafting statements and speeches – but also as de facto companions to a senator whose age, frail health, and memory issues make it difficult for her to function alone. Their roles have come under more scrutiny as a number of Democrats and many of Feinstein’s constituents are increasingly concerned about her refusal to relinquish a post that she is not capable of fulfilling without heavy and constant reliance on her aides.

Aide Fired by George Santos Says He Got His Job After Sending Money to Republican’s Deputy

Yahoo News – Jake Offenhartz (Associated Press) | Published: 6/1/2023

A man who briefly worked as an aide to U.S. Rep. George Santos says he got his job after sending a series of payments to one of the Republican’s top deputies. Derek Myers told staff of the House’s ethics subcommittee during an interview that while he was trying to get a job in Santoss congressional office in late January, he sent at least seven $150 payments to Santos’ director of operations, Vish Burra. Myers said he began sending the money unsolicited because he believed Burra was not getting paid by the House at the time and could not afford food. But he said he also hoped the payments might help him secure a job.

From the States and Municipalities

California – Charity Set Up to Support Mayor’s Office Withholds Records, Collected Funds from Companies with Business Before the City

MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 5/30/2023

The nonprofit For All of Us collects tens of thousands of dollars from donors to support causes embraced by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. Only limited fundraising and spending records for the group are routinely disclosed. Instead, the money, board leadership, mission statement, and other information about For All of Us are mostly held confidentially. The San Diego Union-Tribune discovered the entity during a routine review of disclosures of behested payments at the recommendation of an elected official. Such contributions are only required to be disclosed by the mayor and other elected officials when donor contributions exceed $5,000 per year.

California – DWP Executive Placed on Leave Amid Questions About Outside Bitcoin Business

MSN – Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 5/26/2023

A top executive at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) was placed on administrative leave while the utility looks into his involvement in the bitcoin mining industry and whether he complied with ethics rules that require employees to obtain permission for outside work. John Chen was placed on leave after The Los Angeles Times asked the DWP about Chen’s ventures, according to a source at the utility.

California – Court Upholds California’s Anti-Pay-to-Play Law Barring Votes Benefiting Campaign Contributors

SiliconValley.com – Jason Henry (San Gabriel Valley Tribune) | Published: 5/26/2023

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge rejected a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a law prohibiting elected officials from voting on matters involving the people and companies who contribute to their campaigns. Judge Richard Sueyoshi determined the law, which went into effect in January, does not violate either the state or federal constitutions. Senate Bill 1439 requires public office holders to recuse themselves from votes and discussions involving anyone who has contributed more than $250 to their campaigns.

Connecticut – Former Connecticut Lawmaker Gets 27 Months in Prison for Stealing Coronavirus Aid

Associated Press News – Dave Collins | Published: 5/31/2023

Former Connecticut Rep. Michael DiMassa was sentenced to 27 months in prison for stealing more than $1.2 million from the city of West Haven, most of it in federal coronavirus-related aid, and using a portion of it to fuel his gambling addiction. At the time of the thefts, he was both a state representative and an aide to the West Haven City Council, with authority to approve reimbursements for coronavirus-related expenses. DiMassa admitted he and others billed West Haven for legal, lobbying, and consulting services that were never provided.

Connecticut – Connecticut Senate Passes Bill Prohibiting Utilities from Charging Ratepayers for Political Activities

Energy and Policy Institute – David Pomerantz | Published: 5/29/2023

The Connecticut Senate passed legislation that would prohibit investor-owned utilities from charging customers for lobbying, trade association dues, public relations expenses, and efforts to argue for rate increases. If the House passes the bill, Connecticut would join Colorado as the second state this year to pass legislation addressing utilities’ ability to fund their political machines from customers’ rates.

Florida – Ethics Commission Is Investigating Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s Work for a Developer

MSN – Joey Flechas and Sarah Blaskey (Miami Herald) | Published: 5/25/2023

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust has opened an investigation into Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s work for developer Rishi Kapoor, following a Miami Herald report that Kapoor’s corporate documents show he sought the mayor’s help to resolve issues involving critical permits for a $70 million project. The ethics commission review is being done in coordination with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office. Internal meeting notes document that Kapoor met with Suarez and the city manager to “discuss the permitting problems” last summer. Internal financial statements show Kapoor paid Suarez at least $170,000 since 2021.

Florida – North Miami Beach Mayor Arrested on Charges Related to ‘Voting Irregularities’

MSN – Raisa Habersham (Miami Herald) | Published: 5/31/2023

North Miami Beach Mayor Anthony DeFillipo was arrested and charged with three counts of voter fraud. The charges allege DeFillipo voted three times in 2022 using an address that was no longer where lived.  A complaint alleged DeFillipo lived in the town of Davie in Broward County, in violation of the North Miami Beach city charter, which requires elected officials to reside in the city. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said her office used cell phone data to track DeFillipo’s driving from Davie to North Miami Beach, where he cast ballots to vote in three elections in August, October, and November.

Florida – Florida Elections Officials Quietly Made It Easier for Ron DeSantis to Fund His 2024 Bid

NBC News – Matt Dixon | Published: 5/30/2023

Florida officials changed state campaign finance guidelines in a way that could allow allies of Gov. Ron DeSantis to move tens of millions of dollars to a super PAC supporting his 2024 presidential campaign, records show. For years, elections officials said such a transfer to federal super PACs would not be allowed. But in March, just months before DeSantis formally launched his bid for president, officials at the Florida Department of State, which regulates state elections, changed its handbook to assert that such moves are allowed.

Illinois – Legislature Approves Bill to Tighten Restrictions on Red-Light Camera Industry

Yahoo News – Andrew Adams (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 5/27/2023

Illinois lawmakers unanimously approved a bill that would place new restrictions on the red-light and speed camera industry’s involvement in state and local elections and government. House Bill 3903 would ban automatic traffic enforcement companies or their officers from donating to candidates at the state and local level. It would also prevent state and local government officials from accepting jobs or contracts with those companies while in office or for two years after leaving office.

Massachusetts – Massachusetts Has Passed Just 10 Laws This Year, the Fewest to Open a Legislative Session in Decades. It’s a Sign of the Times.

MSN – Matt Stout (Boston Globe) | Published: 5/29/2023

Five months into the year, Massachusetts lawmakers have touted passing “historic funding” and holding a budget debate that has never been “smoother.” They can also lay claim to something else, a Boston Globe review found: perhaps the least productive start to a legislative session in at least 40 years. The slow start is likely historic, and, current and former Beacon Hill officials say, reflective of a Democratic-controlled body where power is overly concentrated at the top and where leaders increasingly rely on omnibus legislation to move important policy.

Michigan – As Chatfield Probe Continues, Nessel Urges Reforms to Dark Money in Politics

Detroit News – Beth LeBlanc | Published: 5/31/2023

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging the state Legislature to take action soon on ethics reforms, including the tightening of reporting requirements for nonprofits, as she continues investigations into lawmakers’ use of “dark money” accounts in politics. Nessel expects to have some resolution on four major public integrity cases, including two involving nonprofit organizations tied to former House Speaker Lee Chatfield and ex-Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, by the end of the year.

Nevada – Source: NLV officials met with authorities about state senator’s finances

Las Vegas Journal-Review – Briana Erickson | Published: 5/23/2023

North Las Vegas city officials met with law enforcement to discuss concerns that state Sen. Dina Neal may have used campaign funds to pay off a $20,000 lien on her home. The meeting with law enforcement took place after the Las Vegas Review-Journal requested public records from the city. The records revealed years of emails from Neal, some of which ask staff to forgive first-time Homebuyer Assistance Program loans. In at least two of those emails, Neal did not reveal she had that type of loan.

New Hampshire – Ethics Flap Over Airfare Offer to N.H. Lawmaker Referred for Criminal Review

MSN – Steven Porter (Washington Post) | Published: 5/31/2023

New Hampshire House Speaker Sherman Packard asked the state’s top law enforcement officials to look into whether an ethics flap over an alleged offer of airfare entailed any illegal activity. Packard suggested in a letter to the Department of Justice that Robin Vogt, the lawmaker at the center of the controversy, might have committed a felony even if he rebuffed an outside offer to cover his travel expenses ahead of a high-stakes vote. That is because the law requires public officials to tell law enforcement if someone offers them a bribe, he wrote.

New York – ‘Lobbying Loophole’ Bill Stuck in Assembly in Final Week of Legislative Session

Albany Times Union – Joshua Solomon | Published: 5/31/2023

An attempt to close a loophole in the state’s lobbying laws, which allowed for undocumented outside influence over the chief judge nomination of Justice Hector LaSalle to occur, has stalled in the final week of the legislative session. The bill would require similar rules for lobbying for a judicial candidate or other state appointee as those governing the efforts to influence the enactment of laws and regulations. Many judicial nominations, including for the Court of Appeals, require approval from the state Senate but not the Assembly.

New York – Despite Hochul’s Vow, Her Policies Have Indirectly Aided Husband’s Firm

DNyuz – Jay Root (New York Times) | Published: 5/28/2023

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recusal policy that forbids her from using her office to help Delaware North has not stopped the governor from taking actions that could benefit the company or hurt its competitors, especially near Buffalo, Hochul’s hometown. Delaware North – which owns or manages 11 gambling venues and numerous hotels, and handles concessions at scores of stadiums, airports, and parks – employs the governor’s husband, William Hochul, as its senior vice president. In three recent cases involving matters relating to gambling or concessions, the state took actions that aligned with the interests of her husband’s company.

North Carolina – NC’s Election Ended. Then Gambling Money Showed Up in Campaign Reports, Complaint Says

Charlotte Observer – Avi Bajpai (Raleigh News and Observer) | Published: 5/30/2023

Donors across the video gambling industry gave North Carolina lawmakers nearly $900,000 between 2019 and 2022, according to a new complaint that alleges some of the contributions may have violated campaign finance laws. The complaint notes many of those donors are members of the North Carolina Coin Operators Association. By not registering as a PAC, the donors avoided having to disclose their fundraising activity, and skirted limits on when and how much money a PAC can give, alleges the complaint.

Ohio – As Borges Delay Is Denied, Former FirstEnergy Execs Say ‘No Doubt’ the Feds Are After Them

Ohio Capital Journal – Marty Schladen | Published: 5/26/2023

Judges denied two delays in recent days that would have been key to a bribery and money laundering scandal that took place in Ohio between 2017 to 2020. Denial of a delay in one court case means a player will still be sentenced in June.  In denying the other, the judge in that case agreed with two former FirstEnergy executives who said federal law enforcement has them in its crosshairs. But she ordered that they be questioned under oath anyway.

Ohio – Ex-Cincinnati Councilman Jeff Pastor Agrees to Plead Guilty in Public Corruption Case

WCPO – Taylor Weiter and Paula Christian | Published: 5/30/2023

Former Cincinnati City Councilperson Jeff Pastor agreed to plead guilty to honor services wire fraud in his public corruption case. In addition to wire fraud, a federal grand jury charged Pastor with bribery, attempted extortion, money laundering, and conspiracy. He was accused of taking $55,000 in bribes and a luxury weekend trip to Miami on a private plane in exchange for votes on two development deals.

Pennsylvania – Philly’s Ethics Board Usually Flies Under the Radar. That Changed with Its Lawsuit Against a Super PAC Backing Jeff Brown

MSN – Sean Collins Walsh (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/27/2023

The 2023 Democratic primary for mayor of Philadelphia was just the second open mayor’s race since the advent of super PACs, independent committees that can raise money in amounts that exceed the city’s contribution limits so long as they do not coordinate with candidates. The board ended up spending much of its time dealing with one super PAC, For a Better Philadelphia, which raised about $3 million to boost Jeff Brown in the mayor’s race. The board’s investigation into the group exposed to scrutiny the choices of the agency that plays a role in every election but is often invisible to voters.

Pennsylvania – A DuBois Official Was Arrested on Corruption Charges. Then Nearly $100K in Cash Arrived at City Hall.

Spotlight PA – Angela Couloumbis and Min Xian | Published: 5/30/2023

In May, DuBois’ solicitor showed up at City Hall with $93,920 in cash tucked inside a cardboard box and packaged in a gift bag. Toni Cherry pulled Interim City Manager Chris Nasuti and Police Chief Blaine Clark out of a meeting. According to Nasuti, she handed the gift bag to the two men and told them the cash belonged to the city. She advised them to deposit the money and did not explain why or how it came into her possession. Nasuti and Clark put the cash into a new bank account and alerted the state attorney general’s office. The bag full of cash is now at the center of another storm in a community already reeling from a corruption scandal.

Texas – Texas Republicans Pass Voting Bills Targeting Large Democratic County

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 5/28/2023

Texas Republicans wound down their regular legislative session by changing election policies for a single populous Democratic stronghold but not in other parts of the state. The measure gives the secretary of state under certain conditions the power to run elections in Harris County, home to Houston and 4.8 million residents. It follows a bill approved days earlier that shifts the oversight of elections from its appointed elections administrator to the county clerk and county assessor. Harris County officials said they would bring a lawsuit challenging the measures as soon as Gov. Greg Abbott signs them into law.

Texas – Texas AG Ken Paxton Impeached, Suspended from Duties; Will Face Senate

Texas Tribune – Zach Despart and James Barragán | Published: 5/27/2023

The Texas House voted overwhelmingly to impeach state Attorney General Ken Paxton, suspending him from office over allegations of misconduct that included bribery and abuse of office. The vote revealed substantial divisions within the Texas GOP. Although the party has won every statewide election for a quarter-century and has controlled both houses of the Legislature since 2003, it has deep underlying fissures. The Senate will conduct a trial with senators acting as jurors and designated House members presenting their case as impeachment managers.

Campaign Finance

California: “Court Upholds California’s Anti-Pay-to-Play Law Barring Votes Benefiting Campaign Contributors” by Jason Henry (San Gabriel Valley Tribune) for SiliconValley.com

Florida: “Florida Elections Officials Quietly Made It Easier for Ron DeSantis to Fund His 2024 Bid” by Matt Dixon for NBC News

Michigan: “As Chatfield Probe Continues, Nessel Urges Reforms to Dark Money in Politics” by Beth LeBlanc for Detroit News

North Carolina: “NC’s Election Ended. Then Gambling Money Showed Up in Campaign Reports, Complaint Says” by Avi Bajpai (Raleigh News and Observer) for Charlotte Observer

Ethics

California: “DWP Executive Placed on Leave Amid Questions About Outside Bitcoin Business” by Dakota Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Connecticut: “Former Connecticut Lawmaker Gets 27 Months in Prison for Stealing Coronavirus Aid” by Dave Collins for Associated Press News

National: “DEA’s Failure to Punish Distributor Blamed in Opioid Crisis Raises Revolving Door Questions” by Jim Mustian and Joshua Goodman (Associated Press) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Recent Attacks Put Staffers on Edge as Authorities Look for Answers” by Justin Papp (Roll Call) for MSN

Lobbying

New York: “‘Lobbying Loophole’ Bill Stuck in Assembly in Final Week of Legislative Session” by Joshua Solomon for Albany Times Union

The Illinois Legislature adjourned Saturday, May 27 until their scheduled veto session beginning October 24.

Lawmakers passed House Bill 2079, which allows a township officer to hold a position on the board of a not-for-profit corporation interested in a contract, work, or business of the township if the township officer is appointed by the governing body to represent township interests.

The township officer may actively vote on matters involving either the board or the township if the membership on the not-for-profit board is not a paid position.

If the township officer is not appointed by the governing body, the officer may continue to serve but must abstain from voting on a proposition before the township governing body directly involving the not-for-profit corporation.

If Gov. Pritzker signs the bill, it will become effective January 1, 2024.

The 93rd session of the Minnesota Legislature adjourned sine die on May 22.

Lawmakers passed House File 3, a bill restricting political activities by foreign influenced corporations, and requiring corporations making political contributions to file certifications.

The bill requires any corporation making a contribution to a ballot question or an independent expenditure to submit a certification to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board that it was not a foreign-influenced corporation as of the date the contribution or expenditure was made.

The bill also broadens the definition of expressly advocating to include certain types of political communications, even if they do not use words or phrases of express advocacy, such as “vote for” or “vote against.”

Expressly advocating is used to identify certain types of independent expenditures that require disclosure and reporting to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

The bill becomes effective January 1, 2024.

Elections Texas: “Texas Republicans Pass Voting Bills Targeting Large Democratic County” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics California: “Charity Set Up to Support Mayor’s Office Withholds Records, Collected Funds from Companies with Business Before the City” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN National: “Missteps and Miscalculations: Inside Fox’s Legal and Business Debacle” by Jim Rutenberg, Michael Schmidt, and Jeremy Peters (New York Times) for Yahoo News Ohio: “As Borges Delay Is Denied, Former FirstEnergy Execs Say ‘No Doubt’ the Feds Are After Them” by Marty Schladen for Ohio Capital Journal Pennsylvania: “A DuBois Official Was Arrested on Corruption Charges. Then Nearly $100K in Cash Arrived at City Hall.” by Angela Couloumbis and Min Xian for Spotlight PA Legislative Issues National: “Feinstein, Back in the Senate, Relies Heavily on Staff to Function” by Annie Karni (New York Times) for Yahoo News Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Has Passed Just 10 Laws This Year, the Fewest to Open a Legislative Session in Decades. It’s a Sign of the Times.” by Matt Stout (Boston Globe) for MSN Lobbying Connecticut: “Connecticut Senate Passes Bill Prohibiting Utilities from Charging Ratepayers for Political Activities” by David Pomerantz for Energy and Policy Institute