March 30, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Buying Government with Lobbying Money” by Mike Collins in Forbes “Ed Whitfield’s Ties to Lobbyist Wife Subject of House Ethics Probe” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call “Reid leaving network of lobbyists behind” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill […]
Lobbying
“Buying Government with Lobbying Money” by Mike Collins in Forbes
“Ed Whitfield’s Ties to Lobbyist Wife Subject of House Ethics Probe” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call
“Reid leaving network of lobbyists behind” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill
Minnesota: “Leap from legislator to lobbyist a short one in Minnesota” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Dan Bauman in the Pioneer Press
Minnesota: “Legislators to lobbyists: A database of their clients and cash” by Dan Bauman in the Pioneer Press
Campaign Finance
“How potential presidential candidates are raising campaign cash” by Reena Flores on CBS News
“Are women giving enough money to political campaigns?” by Stefanie Murray in The Tennessean
Colorado: “Campaign finance rules get overhaul” by Anthony A. Mestas in The Pueblo Chieftain
Montana: “House passes bill to toughen campaign finance laws” in The Montana Standard
Ohio: “Campaign finance fines rarely collected, often reduced” by Amanda Seitz in the Dayton Daily News
Utah: “Utah cities can adopt stricter campaign finance rules” by The Associated Press in KSL.com
Ethics
New York: “Deal Is Reached on New York State Budget; Ethics Measures Are Included” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times
Texas: “Analysis: Trying to Spark Ethics Reform, Without a Scandal” by Ross Ramsey in The Texas Tribune
Elections
“Why Some Lawmakers Want to Abolish the 17th Amendment” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing
Government Tech and Social Media
Utah: “In Utah, Participatory Democracy Powered by Loomio and NationBuilder” by Jessica McKenzie in TechPresident
March 30, 2015 •
San Diego, California Clerk Advocating for Increasing Lobbying Fees
The Office of the City Clerk will make a presentation at the next meeting of the Ethics Commission to advocate for increased lobbyist registration fees and electronic payment of those fees. The clerk’s office published a report concluding the city […]
The Office of the City Clerk will make a presentation at the next meeting of the Ethics Commission to advocate for increased lobbyist registration fees and electronic payment of those fees.
The clerk’s office published a report concluding the city should increase the $40 lobbyist fee in light of fees set by other California cities such as Long Beach ($100) and Los Angeles ($450).
The meeting will be held on April 9, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. in the committee room on the 12th floor of the City Administration Building. Changes to fee schedules and electronic payment would take effect January 1, 2016.
March 30, 2015 •
Virginia Governor Proposing Changes to Ethics Reform Bill
Gov. Terry McAuliffe plans to offer amendments to the ethics reform bill passed last month. HB 2070 creates a $100 per gift cap to replace the current $250 aggregate limit lawmakers must abide by. Gov. McAuliffe announced he would like […]
Gov. Terry McAuliffe plans to offer amendments to the ethics reform bill passed last month. HB 2070 creates a $100 per gift cap to replace the current $250 aggregate limit lawmakers must abide by.
Gov. McAuliffe announced he would like to see a $100 aggregate limit to prevent legislators from accepting repeated gifts from lobbyists.
A legislative session is scheduled for April 15 for lawmakers to consider McAuliffe’s amendments and vetoes.
Photo of Gov. Terry McAuliffe by Edward Kimmel on Wikimedia Commons.
March 27, 2015 •
Georgia Commission Meets to Consider Rule Changes
The Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission held a day-long meeting on March 26 to consider rule changes and to conclude ethics complaints. The proposed rule changes are to aid in the implementation of ethics reforms passed nearly two years […]
The Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission held a day-long meeting on March 26 to consider rule changes and to conclude ethics complaints. The proposed rule changes are to aid in the implementation of ethics reforms passed nearly two years ago.
The new lobbyist gift law sets a $75 limit on some gifts, exempts other gifts, and completely prohibits any gift not otherwise limited or exempted. Lobbyists, public officials, and the public still have questions about how the limits are supposed to be followed.
The commission approved a rule to regulate lobbyist gifts to family members of public officials, but tabled rules about how often a lobbyist can give a $75 gift and whether multiple lobbyists can split the cost of a gift valued at more than $75.
The commission closed about two dozen ethics complaints, with another 220 cases yet to be decided. The next commission meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2015.
March 27, 2015 •
We’re at the Advocacy Leaders Network Event!
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, and Federal Compliance Associate Rebecca South are attending the Advocacy Leaders Network – Reaching Capitol Hill: The Class of 2015 event today in Washington, D.C. As leaders in government relations […]
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, and Federal Compliance Associate Rebecca South are attending the Advocacy Leaders Network – Reaching Capitol Hill: The Class of 2015 event today in Washington, D.C.
As leaders in government relations compliance, we value the opportunity to attend this forum!
Political contributions from corporations and unions may soon be prohibited in Ottawa, Canada’s municipal elections if City Councillor Tobi Nussbaum can convince the city to seek provincial approval for the ban. On March 25, Nussbaum informed the city council he […]
Political contributions from corporations and unions may soon be prohibited in Ottawa, Canada’s municipal elections if City Councillor Tobi Nussbaum can convince the city to seek provincial approval for the ban. On March 25, Nussbaum informed the city council he will ask for debate on the issue at the next meeting on April 15. According to the Ottawa Sun, Mayor Jim Watson is against a prohibition on corporate and union contributions.
March 25, 2015 •
Elizabeth Bartz to Speak at NASPO
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, will be a featured panelist in a session called “Procurement Lobbying and Legislation that Impacts Procurement” at the 2015 NASPO How to Market to State Governments Meeting. The conference, […]
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, will be a featured panelist in a session called “Procurement Lobbying and Legislation that Impacts Procurement” at the 2015 NASPO How to Market to State Governments Meeting.
The conference, which will be held in Philadelphia, PA, runs from March 29-31.
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor of this national forum!
March 25, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “How to Decide When to Announce You’re Running for President” by Rebecca Kaplan and Jake Miller for CBS News “Hillary Turns Down Invite to Secretive Donor Meeting” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico “‘Dark Money’ Bill […]
Campaign Finance
“How to Decide When to Announce You’re Running for President” by Rebecca Kaplan and Jake Miller for CBS News
“Hillary Turns Down Invite to Secretive Donor Meeting” by Kenneth Vogel and Tarini Parti for Politico
“‘Dark Money’ Bill Fails in Voice Vote” by Lisa Hammersly and Claudia Lauer for Arkansas Online
Connecticut: “Five-Month Prison Sentence for Lisa Wilson-Foley” by Dave Collins (Associated Press) for CBS Connecticut
Virginia: “Deep Feud Splitting Virginia’s GOP Evident in Party’s Fundraising Woes” by Jenna Portnoy and Paul Schwartzman for Washington Post
Wisconsin”Wisconsin Lawmakers Hear Advice for Changing Complex Campaign Spending, Fundraising Law” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Wisconsin: “Secret $1.5 Million Donation from Wisconsin Billionaire Uncovered in Scott Walker Dark-Money Probe” by Michael Isikoff for Yahoo! Politics
Ethics
Indiana: “Another Loophole for Ex-INDOT Official?” by Ryan Sabalow and Tony Cook for Indianapolis Star
New Jersey: “Chris Christie Gets Corvette for NJ Radio News Director Who Interviews Him” by Christopher Zara and David Sirota for International Business Times
New York: “Cuomo Focuses on Ethics Reform, Not on Funding” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Washington: “Washington Auditor Says He’s Cooperating with Investigation” by Rachel La Corte (Associated Press) for Raleigh News & Observer
Elections
Wisconsin: “U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Take Up Challenge to Wisconsin Voter ID Law” by Jason Stein and Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
March 24, 2015 •
Wisconsin Voter ID Law Remains, But Not for Spring Election
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case alleging the state’s 2011 voter ID law is unconstitutional. Following the decision, the Government Accountability Board consulted with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and determined photo ID will not […]
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case alleging the state’s 2011 voter ID law is unconstitutional.
Following the decision, the Government Accountability Board consulted with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and determined photo ID will not be required for the April 7 Spring Election.
Photo ID will be required for subsequent elections, including any special elections in 2015.
March 24, 2015 •
Congratulations, Bob Kulinski of United Way!
Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications offers her congratulations to Bob Kulinski, United Way of Summit County President and CEO as he wraps up 15 amazing years of service. Thank you, Bob for all you […]
Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications offers her congratulations to Bob Kulinski, United Way of Summit County President and CEO as he wraps up 15 amazing years of service. Thank you, Bob for all you have done for Akron and Summit County!
March 24, 2015 •
We’re Heading to ACES
For the second year in a row, State and Federal Communications is sending a team to the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) annual conference. This year the conference is being held March 26 – 28 in Pittsburgh. It is a […]
For the second year in a row, State and Federal Communications is sending a team to the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) annual conference. This year the conference is being held March 26 – 28 in Pittsburgh. It is a great place for editors to brush up their skills and to keep up with changes in the field.
ACES annual conference also provides opportunities to learn new skills. There are sessions on the core editing skills, fact-checking, editing for social media, and getting the most out of style guides.
This conference is a great opportunity, as many of us put on the editor’s cap every day to ensure our information isn’t just factually correct, but also grammatically correct. We work to ensure everything is spelled and punctuated correctly because we agree with ACES President Teresa Schmedding: people care about good grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
And because we know you care, we are off to Pittsburgh to learn, to hone, and to ensure our skills are up to your standards.
To learn more about ACES and the important role of editors and copy editors, check out their website at www.copydesk.org.
March 24, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Obama Promised to Curb the Influence of Lobbyists. Has He Succeeded?” by Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post “McConnell Urges States to Help Thwart Obama’s ‘War on Coal’” by Coral Davenport for New York Times Vermont: “Senate Passes New Lobbyist […]
Lobbying
“Obama Promised to Curb the Influence of Lobbyists. Has He Succeeded?” by Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post
“McConnell Urges States to Help Thwart Obama’s ‘War on Coal’” by Coral Davenport for New York Times
Vermont: “Senate Passes New Lobbyist Disclosure Rules” by Paul Heintz for Seven Days
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Senate Panel OKs Higher Campaign-Donation Limits” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Daily Star
Massachusetts: “State Agency: Hampden County Sheriff’s campaign committee lost money in mutual fund” by Gintautas Dumcius (State House News Service) for MassLive.com
New Mexico: “‘Dark Money’ Bill Dies” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections Requests another Staff Member to Audit Campaign Accounts” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal
Ethics
“Resigning Congressman Aaron Schock Faces Federal Investigation” by The Associated Press for New Orleans Times-Picayune
“Sen. Robert Menendez Case Tests Justice Department’s Anti-Corruption Unit” by Richard Serrano and Timothy Phelps for Los Angeles Times
California: “Inside the Mayor’s Nonprofit that’s Not Really the Mayor’s Nonprofit” by Liam Dillon for Voice of San Diego
Washington: “Seattle City Light’s Ethics Fight with Union Heats up as Whistleblower Left Cold” by Levi Pulkkinen for Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Elections
“Ted Cruz Hopes Early Campaign Entry Will Focus Voters’ Attention” by Jonathan Martin and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Procurement
Texas: “Contracting Reform Bill Sails Out of Senate Committee” by Edgar Walters for Texas Tribune
March 23, 2015 •
Congressman Aaron Schock to Resign Amid Ethics Investigations
Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat at the end of the month in the wake of a congressional ethics investigation and looming federal investigation. The ethics investigation will focus on his use of taxpayer money, including mileage reimbursements from […]
Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat at the end of the month in the wake of a congressional ethics investigation and looming federal investigation. The ethics investigation will focus on his use of taxpayer money, including mileage reimbursements from a car paid for by his campaign account.
Federal prosecutors in Illinois will focus on the mileage reimbursements as well as travel paid for by donors and in-kind contributions never reported.
Gov. Bruce Rauner must set a special election date within five days of Schock’s resignation at the end of the month; the congressional seat must be filled within 120 days.
March 23, 2015 •
New Mexico Legislature Adjourns
The Legislature adjourned sine die on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed House Bill 155 to require increased lobbyist registration fees and additional public access to lobbyist information. Gov. Susana Martinez has until April 10 to act on […]
The Legislature adjourned sine die on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed House Bill 155 to require increased lobbyist registration fees and additional public access to lobbyist information.
Gov. Susana Martinez has until April 10 to act on legislation. Any bill failing to reach her desk is now dead.
Photo of the New Mexico State Capitol by Urban on Wikimedia Commons.
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