Amber Fish Linke, Director of Client and Product Operations at State and Federal Communications, will be offering her expert advice for the Public Affairs Council webinar The Do’s and Don’ts of State-Level Compliance on May 7, at 2:00 p.m.

The program will cover how to remain compliant with pay-to-play, campaign finance, lobbying, PAC management, and procurement laws in the 50 states.

State and Federal Communications is proud to be a sponsor of the WKSU John Hockenberry event, which is coming to Akron and Kent on May 7! The award-winning journalist and host of The Takeaway will be appearing at WKSU for the morning broadcast of the radio program and at the Actors’ Summit in Akron at 7:30 p.m.

The Florida Senate adjourned sine die on May 1, 2015, three days after the House abruptly ended its session early citing an impasse with the Senate over budget issues.

Senate democrats, believing the move was in violation of the state constitution, filed a lawsuit with the state supreme court seeking a writ of mandamus to order the House back into session. While the court agreed the early adjournment was a clear violation, all seven justices concurred there was no plausible way to order the House back with so little time left in the session.

Nonetheless, democratic leaders lauded the ruling as important guidance for the future.

Gov. Butch Otter announced a special legislative session will begin on May 18, 2015. After adjourning in early April, lawmakers will return to resolve amendments to a child support law.

The law is a prerequisite for receiving federal funds to assist in child support enforcement.

Legislators have until June 12 to come to an agreement.

Photo of the Idaho State Capitol by Maxbatt in Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

New York: “Education Groups Were Top Lobbyists of 2014” by Casey Seiler for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

“FEC Decision May Allow More Foreign Money in U.S. Votes, Critics Say” by Michelle Conlin and Lucas Iberico Lozada for Reuters

“Scott Walker’s Strength in Donors” by Derek Willis for New York Times

Missouri: “A Mega Donor’s Influence in Missouri Politics” by Steven Anthony for KBIA

New Jersey: “N.J. Supreme Court Won’t Hear Sharpe James’s Bridgegate Argument, Campaign Cash Appeal” by Bill Wichert for Newark Star-Ledger

Ethics

“FDA Could Approve Drugs for New Uses on Less Data: Draft law” by Toni Clarke for Reuters

New York: “JCOPE Watchdog Denies Conflict as Attorney” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Washington: “WaLeg: Rep. Fagan faces ethics charges, will resign” by Jim Camden for Spokane Spokesman-Review

Elections

“Bernie Sanders Brings Liberal Zeal in Challenge to Hillary Clinton” by Jonathan Topaz for Politico

Procurement

New Mexico: “Review: Former Albuquerque police chief may have violated ethics rules with no-bid Taser deal” by Ryan Foley and Vik Jolly (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune

Here is our May calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello!

April 27, 2015   WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC

May 6, 2015   WGR Spring Reception at the Willard Hotel, Washington, DC

May 7, 2015   State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s DC Dialogue: A Conversation about Ethics and Campaigns, Washington, DC

May 7, 2015   John Hockenberry at WKSU, Akron, Ohio

May 11, 2015   WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC

May 12, 2015   Go Red for Women, Akron, Ohio

May 14-16, 2015   Women in Government – Western Regional Conference, Denver, Colorado

June 4-6, 2015   NCSL Executive Committee Spring Meeting, Denver, Colorado

More than 26,000 Summit County (Ohio) residents and their families turn to the ADM (Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health) Board for treatment and support. The care runs through their lifespan: from services and programs for toddlers to older adults. ADM provides preventive and treatment services, housing support, employment assistance, transportation, respite, peer support, recreation, and education services.

How does State and Federal Communications, Inc. help ADM? We contribute annually to its ADM Recovery Challenge 5K. The campaign helps raise money for when ADM has to go to the ballot and ask the Summit County voters to vote to support the levy. The State of Ohio allows the County Board of Elections to charge the groups going on the ballots so ADM needs to raise even more money.

Why am I bringing this up? Because your county has some form of an ADM program helping those who cannot help themselves. The road to recovery is challenged by many obstacles. In recognizing the challenges of recovery, ADM provides this obstacle course for fun competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. The obstacles included in this race course metaphorically represent the challenges persons often face during the process of recovery from an addition or mental health condition.

There are always ways to help in your own community. Help those less fortunate. It is amazing how appreciative the group is towards your involvement. Until next month, make a change for yourself and for your community.

Thank you,
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz

Federal:

Collapse of Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger Shows Limits of Lobbying
Politico – Tony Romm and Alex Byers | Published: 4/24/2015

Comcast spends more than any other company lobbying Washington, D.C. Its chief executive officer has golfed with President Barack Obama, and its executives raise cash for Democrats. But the strategy did not work as the largest U.S. cable company dropped its merger with Time Warner Cable over continued opposition from Congress and federal regulators. Two agencies had balked at the $45.2 billion proposed merger in a twist of the narrative that says deep connections guarantee big results in Washington. “It’s nice to see that even an effective, very well-funded, pervasive lobbying campaign cannot win when it was wrong,” said Ed Black, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association.

Never Before Have So Many People with So Much Money Run for President
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Ed O’Keefe | Published: 4/27/2015

Some political operatives say 2016 could be the first presidential race in the modern era in which a candidate does not need to win Iowa or New Hampshire to prevail. Strong showings in those early states historically translated into much-needed financial momentum. But this time, wealthy patrons might keep their favorite picks aloft through independent spending. The political money boom is being driven largely by super PACs, which can collect unlimited donations from individuals and corporations. The groups are supposed to operate independently from the candidates they support, but in this race, they are functioning as de facto arms of the campaigns.

States Can Ban Elected Judges from Asking for Campaign Money, Supreme Court Says
Los Angeles Times – David Savage | Published: 4/29/2015

A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can limit judicial candidates’ ability to personally appeal for donations, a rare victory for supporters of campaign finance limits. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberal justices in the decision to uphold a Florida prohibition on such personal solicitations, saying states have a compelling interest in “preserving the public confidence in the integrity of its judiciary.” The ruling was an outlier for the high court and for Roberts himself, who supported decisions over the past six years that have opened the floodgates on political spending and given rise to super PACs.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – For Statewide Change, Advocates Are Making Their Battles Local
Los Angeles Times – Melanie Mason | Published: 4/24/2015

Whether the subject is plastic grocery bags or soda taxes, some of California’s most compelling policy battles are occurring not in the Capitol but in City Halls and county seats. Local governments are increasingly a staging ground for issues such as the regulation of electronic cigarettes, limits on payday lenders, and fracking moratoriums. The local efforts can prod the state Legislature to act. Political operatives who bypass Sacramento are waging their local campaigns with data-driven sophistication.

Florida – Florida House Abruptly Adjourns Session Early, Saying Impasse Is Insurmountable
Tampa Bay Times – Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet | Published: 4/28/2015

The Florida House abruptly and unilaterally adjourned on April 28, ending the legislative session before the scheduled date and leaving dozens of major bills dead and escalating tensions between the House and Senate over their health care stalemate. It marked the first time in Florida’s modern history that one chamber shut down and went home on a different day than the other in a regular session. The presiding officers of each chamber must now agree to come back in special session in order to complete the state budget, the only bill they are required to pass each year by the June 30 deadline, or Gov. Rick Scott could order them back together.

Georgia – Ethics Commission Picks Veteran State Attorney as Chief Exec
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer – Kathleen Foody (Associated Press) | Published: 4/28/2015

Stefan Ritter was chosen as the new head of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. He is currently a senior assistant attorney general and for several years has served as the ethics commission’s legal counsel. The agency’s previous executive secretary was fired after a judge fined her for allegedly withholding documents in a lawsuit against the state. The agency enforces Georgia’s campaign finance and ethics laws but has been troubled by employee lawsuits and a backlog of cases.

Indiana – Gov. Pence to Sign Ethics Reform Bill
Indianapolis Star – Tony Cook | Published: 4/27/2015

The Indiana General Assembly approved an ethics overhaul that requires greater financial disclosure by lawmakers and expressly prohibits elected officials from using state resources for political purposes. The bill follows an investigation into former state schools Superintendent Tony Bennett’s use of state staff and resources during his 2012 re-election campaign. In another case, a privately lobbied last year to defeat legislation that could have cost his family’s business millions of dollars. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.

Kentucky – Gov. Gets 360 Derby Tickets, Who Uses Them?
Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom Loftus | Published: 4/29/2015

Churchill Downs sets aside 360 tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks every year for sale to the governor’s entourage. Many of those seats are prime – 160 of them are coveted spots on Millionaires Row. Gov. Steve Beshear says the purpose for the large number of tickets, and all of his official Derby activities, is to show off Kentucky to official economic-development and tourism guests who might bring jobs to the state. But records of previous years’ ticket assignments from the governor’s allotment show only about 60 of the 360 tickets are used by the official guests of the state Economic Development Cabinet or Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinets. Ticket holders also include family of the governor, top administration officials, Democratic Party activists, and some big contributors to the governor’s political causes.

Massachusetts – Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit
Boston Globe – Sara Morrison | Published: 4/28/2015

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s inauguration committee will return donations from two lobbying firms that exceeded a limit he imposed for lobbyist contributions. Baker said lobbyists could only give a maximum of $250. But at least five firms registered as lobbyists with the state gave well over that limit. The inaugural committee pledged to return $2,500 to Beacon Strategies Group and $10,000 to Bay State Strategies Group.

Montana – Senate Confirms Motl as Political Practices Commissioner
Helena Independent Record – Charles Johnson | Published: 4/24/2015

Montana senators confirmed Jonathan Motl as the state’s commissioner of political practices. Motl has come under fire during his tenure for what opponents call a bias against Republican candidates. Senators supporting Motl called attention to the work he did on a major campaign finance bill that was signed into law this session. Senate Bill 289 will require more disclosure for “dark money” in campaigns.

New Jersey – The Dinner Proposal That Led United into Corruption Probe
Bloomberg Business – David Kocieniewski and David Voreacos | Published: 4/28/2015

Federal prosecutors are investigating whether United Airlines made improper attempts to influence David Samson at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, according to sources. The authority oversees Newark Liberty International Airport. United was seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in public investment for the airport when its chief executive dined with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s top Port Authority official in September 2011. Investigators are looking into whether Samson abused his public position for private gain. According to people close to the case, prosecutors want to know if Samson gave United preferential treatment on Port Authority business in return for the airline reviving a route that he and his wife had used but had been cancelled.

North Carolina – Not Just Photo-Ops: Businesses gain from political visits
Asheville Times-Citizen – Caitlin Byrd | Published: 4/27/2015

Chris Champlin, vice president of Thermo Fisher Scientific, estimates at least six politicians have accepted invitations to visit the Asheville, North Carolina plant in the last 12 months. For politicians, visiting and speaking at businesses gives them a chance to learn more about an employer in the region. But these events are not one-sided affairs; sometimes the businesses have the most to gain. When it comes time to call on legislators for some help, a special visit to the business can help cement a company and its interests in the mind of a politician. “… Once they walk in the door, put on the steel-toe boot covers and the safety glasses, it’s just a much more meaningful interaction than I could ever hope to accomplish in Washington, D.C. in a business suit,” said Tim Fenton, senior director of global government relations for Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Pennsylvania – Council Moves to Illuminate Super PAC Money
Philadelphia Inquirer – Tricia Nadolny | Published: 4/23/2015

Independent groups would face additional reporting requirements under a bill introduced in the Philadelphia City Council. Those groups, which are not permitted to coordinate with candidates they support, are not required to file finance reports until days before an election. The bill would change that by requiring super PACs to disclose their donors six weeks before an election or primary and every two weeks thereafter. It would apply to donations of $5,000 or more spent on communications, including television, print, and radio ads, that make reference a candidate in any way.

Rhode Island – Raimondo Signs into Law New Campaign Finance Measures
Providence Journal – Jennifer Bogdan | Published: 4/23/2015

Gov. Gina Raimondo signed four bills aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s campaign finance reporting laws. One bill requires candidates and PACs to file bank statements from their campaign finance accounts following their final quarterly report to the Board of Elections. Another measure requires that candidates and PACs maintain a campaign finance account separate from personal bank account. Lawmakers reviewed the system after ex-House Speaker Gordon Fox acknowledged taking a $52,500 bribe and making dozens of interbank transfers totaling $108,000, using money from his campaign account for personal expenses.

Texas – Senate Strengthens and Passes Ethics Bill
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 4/28/2015

The Texas Senate strengthened and approved an ethics reform bill with provisions that call for drug testing of elected officials, convicted felons to leave office, tougher financial disclosures, and more transparent dealings with lobbyists. Sen. Kirk Watson got his amendment added on that requires disclosure of lobbyists paying for lawmakers meals if over $50 even when splitting the checks between multiple lobbyists, a loophole many use now. Senate Bill 19 now goes to the House.

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.

The 119th Indiana General Assembly adjourned its first regular session sine die on Wednesday, April 29. Lawmakers worked until the final minutes to shift authority over education policy matters and to pass a new two-year state budget.

Despite its many successes, however, the session will perhaps best be remembered for the March 26 signing of the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Photo of the Indiana Statehouse by HstryQT on Wikimedia Commons.

The Legislature adjourned sine die on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, with the possibility of a special session to resolve differences in the budget bill for the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS).

If NDPERS is not able to operate through the 2015-17 biennium on a continuing appropriation, a special session will be necessary.

By adjourning on 78th day of the session, lawmakers allowed for a two-day special session without exceeding the 80-day limit.

Lobbying

“The Solution to Lobbying is More Lobbying” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post

Massachusetts: “Baker Inaugural Committee Returning Donations That Exceeded Limit” by Sara Morrison for Boston Globe

New York: “JCOPE to Staff up as Duties Expand” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Campaign Finance

“States Can Ban Elected Judges from Asking for Campaign Money, Supreme Court Says” by David Savage for Los Angeles Times

Florida: “Politicians Cash in on Colleges” by Michael Vasquez for Miami Herald

Vermont: “Shumlin to Launch Sorrell Review” by April Burbank for Burlington Free Press

Ethics

Louisiana: “FBI Investigating Senate President John Alario, Sources Say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurik for New Orleans Times-Picayune

New York: “Assemblyman William Scarborough to Admit $40,000 Travel Voucher Scam Case” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Texas: “Senate Strengthens and Passes Ethics Bill” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Legislative Issues

Florida: “Florida House Abruptly Adjourns Session Early, Saying Impasse Is Insurmountable” by Mary Ellen Klas and Steve Bousquet for Tampa Bay Times

The Supreme Court today upheld a Florida campaign finance restriction prohibiting judicial candidates from personally soliciting donations. In a 5-4 decision, the Court rejected First Amendment concerns, ruling states may choose to elect their judiciary but are not required to treat judicial candidates like politicians.

Though candidates may not solicit contributions, the Florida law allows others, such as campaign managers and friends, to do so on their behalf.

Chief Justice Roberts stated the case was a rare instance where the state, in trying to maintain the integrity of the bench, has a compelling interest in restricting speech.

Lobbying

Texas: “Wining and Dining Disclosure Bills Advance” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

“How Super PACs Can Run Campaigns” by New York Times Editorial Board for New York Times

New York: “Bill to Close Campaign Finance Loophole Clears Committee” by Michael Virtanen for Legislative Gazette

Ethics

Colorado: “Denver City Employee Indicted on DIA Contract Bribery Charges” by Mark Jaffe for Denver Post

Georgia: “Ga. Ethics Commission Chooses Ritter as New Leader Following Troubled Period” by The Associated Press for Columbus Republic

Indiana: “Gov. Pence to Sign Ethics Reform Bill” by Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star

New Jersey: “The Dinner Proposal That Led United into Corruption Probe” by David Kocieniewski and David Voreacos for Bloomberg Business

Texas: “Tough Ethics Bills May Hit Too Close to Home for Texas Legislature” by Eva-Marie Ayala for Dallas Morning News

Elections

“G.O.P. Struggling With Shifts on Gay Marriage” by Adam Nagourney for New York Times

Procurement

New York: “With Dean Skelos’s Son Aboard, AbTech Seemed Confident in Bid for Nassau County Contract” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times