November 13, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobbying World” in The Hill. “Lobbyists, Congress Partner for Local Food Drive” by Anna Giaritelli in Roll Call. “Nominating Committee Makes 2014 Recommendations” from the American League of Lobbyists. Canada: “Commissioner of Lobbying orders first lobbying ban ever” by Julius […]
Lobbying
“Lobbying World” in The Hill.
“Lobbyists, Congress Partner for Local Food Drive” by Anna Giaritelli in Roll Call.
“Nominating Committee Makes 2014 Recommendations” from the American League of Lobbyists.
Canada: “Commissioner of Lobbying orders first lobbying ban ever” by Julius Melnitzer in the Financial Post.
Ohio: “Lobbyist known as ‘The Chief’ gets laughs — and respect — at Statehouse” by Joe Hallett in the Columbus Dispatch.
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania hires DC lobbyists with state ties” by Colby Itkowitz in The Morning Call.
Campaign Finance
California: “Hearing begins on campaign violation case against Sen. Berryhill” by Patrick McGreevy in The Los Angeles Times.
Colorado: “How to cut corporate, union influence on elections? DU panel has plan” by Ed Sealover in BizJournals.
Ohio: “Group calls for campaign finance reform” by Gary Seman, Jr. in This Week Community News.
Ethics
Alaska: “APOC asked to weigh in on independent campaign” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.
Florida: “Sweetwater mayor, lobbyist to plead guilty” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.
New York: “Ex-Bronx GOP boss pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.
New York: “Critics say DAs should not lead campaign finance panel” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.
Utah: “Lawmakers Ready Bills Targeting Elections and Ethics in 2014” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.
November 13, 2013 •
Ohio Bill to Require Identification Badges for Lobbyists
Rep. Hagan introduced HB 339 last week. HB 339 would enact section 105.43 of the Revised Code and require the capitol square review and advisory board to issue identification badges to all lobbyists seeking entrance to capitol square. Each badge […]
Rep. Hagan introduced HB 339 last week. HB 339 would enact section 105.43 of the Revised Code and require the capitol square review and advisory board to issue identification badges to all lobbyists seeking entrance to capitol square. Each badge would show a lobbyist’s name, a photograph of the lobbyist, clearly state the term “lobbyist” on the face of the badge, and list the lobbyist’s employer or employers.
The bill also requires each lobbyist to carry a card stating the name of the person or persons whose interest the lobbyist actually represents; said card must be shown to any member of the general assembly requesting to see it.
November 12, 2013 •
Special Legislative Session in Washington Adjourned Nov. 9
The special session of the Washington Legislature adjourned Saturday, November 9, marking the third special legislative session this year. The purpose of the special session was to consider legislation containing tax incentives for Boeing and the aerospace industry in exchange […]
The special session of the Washington Legislature adjourned Saturday, November 9, marking the third special legislative session this year.
The purpose of the special session was to consider legislation containing tax incentives for Boeing and the aerospace industry in exchange for retaining manufacturing operations in the state.
Photo of the Washington State Capitol by Bluedisk in Wikimedia Commons.
November 12, 2013 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Bottom Line” in The Hill. “Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal. “Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today. “Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers […]
Lobbying
“Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“Top Financial Lobbyist Exits” by Alan Zibel in The Wall Street Journal.
“Number of lobbyists taking jobs in Congress plummets” by Susan Davis in USA Today.
“Twitter’s handle on D.C. evolving” by Alex Byers in Politico.
Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry glitches being worked out, integrity commissioner says” by Derek Spalding in the Ottawa Citizen.
Ottawa, Canada: “Lobbyist registry ‘useful,’ watchdog reports” by Jon Willing in the Ottawa Sun.
Campaign Finance
“FEC poised to allow Bitcoin campaign donations” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Bitcoins Could Prove to Be Windfall — or Bust — for Political Campaigns” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.
Massachusetts: “Campaign bill would order fast disclosure of donors” by Michael Levenson in The Boston Globe.
Michigan: “Michigan proposal would double limits on individual donations to political candidates” by Jonathan Oosting in MLive.com.
Minnesota: “Minnesota campaign finance regulators’ database isn’t adding up” by Glenn Howatt and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Missouri: “Former Mo. Rep. McGeoghegan fined by Ethics Commission for 2012 campaign materials” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
Montana: “Montana judge considers fine for political group as attorney asks to be removed” by Matt Gouras (Associated Press) in The Republic.
New Hampshire: “New Hampshire lawmaker may seek higher campaign spending limits” by The Associated Press in The Republic.
New York: “Refigure campaign financing” editorial by Cynthia DiBartolo in the Times Union.
Virginia: “Leftover campaign money can fund almost anything in Virginia” by Kathryn Watson in Watchdog.org.
Ethics
Alaska: “Legislative Ethics Committee Says Senator Hoffman Failed To Disclose Income” by Ben Matheson in Alaska Public Media.
Mississippi: “Newspaper wants ruling from Ethics Commission on emails” by The Associated Press in the Mississippi Business Journal.
Ohio: “Lack of oversight over JobsOhio raises concerns for ethics commission, auditor, now high court” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) in The Republic.
Elections
Iowa: “Libertarian Mayor in Iowa Re-Elected Despite His Wishes” by Richard Winger in Ballot Access News.
Ohio: “Libertarians file legal challenge against Ohio’s new rules for minor political parties; Greens may follow suit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Tech and Social Media
Pennsylvania: “Website redesign shines more light on Capitol” by Melissa Daniels in The Tribune-Review.
Virginia: “Going Beyond the Boundaries of the Obama Digital Model in Virginia” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.
November 8, 2013 •
South Carolina Committee Holds Hearing on Ethics Reform
The Senate Select Committee held hearings to consider changes to the ethics complaint process. The ethics debate centered around deciding who should investigate and punish violations of the state ethics code. The committee also heard recommendations regarding gift and disclosure […]
The Senate Select Committee held hearings to consider changes to the ethics complaint process. The ethics debate centered around deciding who should investigate and punish violations of the state ethics code. The committee also heard recommendations regarding gift and disclosure provisions.
The state inspector general advised lawmakers to adopt a policy of rejecting gifts over $50 and reform advocates support more comprehensive income disclosure laws for lawmakers. The committee will submit their recommendations on the ethics bill and amendment to the senate once the session resumes on January 14, 2014.
November 8, 2013 •
Our November Photo Scrapbook
Enjoy these fun photos from recent events!
Enjoy these fun photos from recent events!
![Ohio birthday](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ohio-birthday.jpg)
![Elizabeth Bartz at the Ohio Birthday 2013](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ohio-Birthday2.jpg)
![State and Federal Communications boasts four alumni from the Kent State University Washington Program in National Issues [WPNI]. Pictured here are: Elliott Postlewait - Marketing Assistant, Melissa Coultas - Manager, Marketing and Sales, Elizabeth Z. Bartz - President and CEO, and Jon Spontarelli - Compliance Assistant.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/WPNI-alum_lr.jpg)
![Kent State Grads](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Kent-State-Grads.jpg)
![While in D.C. at PAC State and Local Conference in Washington, D.C., the staff and friends of State and Federal Communications had fun taking in the sites.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/night-group-shot-at-PAC-State-and-Local-bw.jpg)
the staff and friends of State and Federal Communications
had fun taking in the sites.
![Akron Public School's Project Grad event had friends and staff from State and Federal Communications present to enjoy the evening. Pictured here are (from left to right): Pam Anderson from WKSU; Elizabeth Bartz, John Chames, Josh Walker, Alesha Walker, and Sarah Kovit, Esq. from State and Federal Communications.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Project-Grad-Group.jpg)
November 8, 2013 •
New Federal Rules for Contractorsʹ Employment of Veterans and Persons with Disabilities
Beginning in March 2014, contractors with the federal government will have additional disclosure requirements concerning the hiring and employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities. One regulation change sets up a hiring goal for individuals with disabilities. The goal is […]
Beginning in March 2014, contractors with the federal government will have additional disclosure requirements concerning the hiring and employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.
One regulation change sets up a hiring goal for individuals with disabilities. The goal is for federal contractors and subcontractors to have seven percent of each job group in their workforce staffed with qualified individuals with disabilities, according to the U.S. Labor Department press release released August 27, 2013.
The Labor Department identifies the seven percent goal as an “aspirational utilization goal” and states “the goal is not a quota.” The rule also specifies actions vendors must take in the areas of recruitment, training, record keeping, and policy dissemination. The U.S. Labor Department identifies these rules as being similar to those currently required to promote workplace equality for women and minorities.
Additionally, regulations concerning the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act have been amended to include hiring benchmarks, data collection, and access to a contractor’s documentation related to compliance by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. According to the Labor Department’s notice of the program, contractors will utilize one of two benchmark methods: they can use a benchmark equal to the national percentage of veterans in the civilian labor force, or they may establish their own benchmarks using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data from the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service/Employment and Training Administration, and other factors reflecting a contractor’s hiring circumstances. When listing job openings, contractors must invite applicants to self-identify as protected veterans at both the pre-offer and post-offer phases of the application process. Sample invitations to self-identify will be provided by the Labor Department.
Contractors must document and annually update quantitative comparisons revealing the number of people with disabilities and veterans applying for jobs and the number hired. Contractors must then maintain the information for three years.
November 8, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – November 8, 2012
National: G.O.P. Weighs Limiting Clout of Right Wing New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/7/2013 Mainstream Republican Party leaders complain that more ideologically-driven conservatives are damaging the GOP with tactics like the government […]
National:
G.O.P. Weighs Limiting Clout of Right Wing
New York Times – Jeremy Peters and Jonathan Martin | Published: 11/7/2013
Mainstream Republican Party leaders complain that more ideologically-driven conservatives are damaging the GOP with tactics like the government shutdown. They are pushing their party to rethink how it chooses nominees and advocating changes they say would result in the selection of less extreme candidates.
Federal:
Third Navy Official Arrested in Bribery Probe
Washington Post – Craig Whitlock | Published: 11/7/2013
A third U.S. Navy official, Commander Jose Sanchez, was charged with receiving bribes, including cash and prostitutes, from a contractor who provides port services for American ships in Southeast Asia. Another commander and a senior investigator for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service were arrested in September, likewise on charges of providing inside information to Glenn Defense Marine in exchange for favors.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Attorney Asks AZ Supreme Court to Reinstate Increased Campaign Donations
East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Service) | Published: 11/4/2013
Arizona’s Republican legislative leaders are asking the state Supreme Court to allow higher campaign contribution limits to be reinstated, citing confusion among candidates and donors. The filing is the latest in a legal volley over House Bill 2593, which raised contribution limits nearly 10-fold for candidates in all offices, from school board to governor.
California – California Donor Disclosure Case Exposes How Nonprofits Can Play in Politics
Washington Post – Matea Gold and Tom Hamburger | Published: 11/4/2013
New revelations in California provide a glimpse at one national network of nonprofit groups that helped move $15 million into ballot-initiative campaigns last fall while working hide the identities of their donors. Two conservative nonprofits were together fined a record $1 million, while two political committees were ordered to repay the state for $15 million in donations they received.
California – San Diego City Attorney Maneuvered to Force Filner from Office
Los Angeles Times – Tony Perry | Published: 11/3/2013
For six weeks, San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith maneuvered to force then-Mayor Bob Filner out of office by squeezing him financially, bluffing him about state law, embarrassing him by releasing documents showing the anger of his staff, and threatening to force a trial on his alleged misuse of public funds. On the eve of a court hearing, Filner finally resigned.
Connecticut – State Parties Unable to Wean Themselves off Special Interest Money
The News Times – Neil Vigdor | Published: 11/2/2013
A loophole in Connecticut’s campaign finance law allows the state’s major political parties to accept money from contractors and lobbyists. It has drawn scrutiny since a California fundraising trip by Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is the subject of a complaint filed by the state Republican Party with the Election Enforcement Commission.
Florida – Lawmakers-Turned-Lobbyists Help Tip Scales for Large Lobbying Firms
St. Augustine Record – Matt Dixon (Morris News Services) | Published: 11/4/2013
Florida’s lobbying corps includes former governors, agency heads, House and Senate leaders, and lawmakers and executive branch officials. Opponents say the practice amounts to elected officials and agency staff using taxpayer-funded jobs to later cash in on high-paying lobbying positions. Lobbying firms say former insiders are needed to help clients navigate a complex state government.
Florida – Tallahassee Lobbyists Won’t Be Audited until 2015
Orlano Sentinel – Aaron Deslatte | Published: 11/4/2013
A Florida legislative committee adopted rules for the long-delayed auditing of lobbyists’ financial reports. Sen. Joe Abruzzo said no reviews will be done next year but auditors will begin studying the 2014 reports in 2015. The draft guidelines allow for lobbying firms to keep some documentation confidential, but also will allow lawmakers critical of the mandate to repeal it during the next legislative session.
Kentucky – Richie Farmer’s Sister Gets Five Years’ Probation
Louisville Courier-Journal – Mike Wynn | Published: 11/1/2013
Rhonda Monroe, the sister of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, received five years’ probation for her role in a campaign finance scheme that allowed her brother to take money from his 2007 re-election fund. Monroe was accused of using her position as assistant executive director of the state Registry of Election Finance to help Farmer pocket leftover campaign cash with phony expense claims.
Louisiana – Louisiana’s Top 400 Campaign Donors Get Around Legal Limits to Magnify Political Influence
New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/6/2013
Searching the mountain of state and local records, reporters identified hundreds of donors who gave from tens of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million to campaigns across Louisiana in the four years that ended in 2012. The journalists said the records show wealthy special interests and businesses are able to magnify their influence through loopholes, lax enforcement, and weak penalties to take advantage of the system.
Nevada – Nevada Judge Dismisses Suit against AFP
San Francisco Chronicle – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 11/6/2013
A District Court judge ruled Americans for Prosperity was not required to register with the state or file contribution reports as argued in the civil lawsuit filed by Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller. The group is funded by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch.
New York – New York City Takes Left Turn
Wall Street Journal – Sophia Hollander | Published: 11/6/2013
Political analysts say the election of Democrat Bill de Blasio as mayor of New York City could become the biggest test yet of a recent revival of liberalism in American political life that is occurring in urban areas. In 2000, Republicans led five of the nation’s largest dozen cities. By the end of 2012, they no longer led any.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Lawmakers Question Conduct after Convictions
Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Tim Talley (Associated Press) | Published: 11/2/2013
Last year, former Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan was convicted of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. This year, state Rep. Randy Terrill was convicted of offering a legislative colleague a state job in exchange for her promise not to seek re-election. Lawmakers are considering whether the way they conduct the people’s business and the multiple prosecutions will chill legislative debate and action.
South Carolina – State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions
The State – Jeff Wilkinson | Published: 11/2/2013
Scores of companies have donated to the campaigns of individual South Carolina candidates in a melding of corporate money and public policy that is banned in 21 states and in federal elections. Corporate officials say those contributions are not an effort to buy legislative votes on a particular issue. Watchdogs maintain corporate donations are just the tip of the iceberg in a political system that favors big business over others.
Texas – Candidates to Lead Texas Accept Meals, Gifts, More from Lobbyists
Dallas Morning News – Christy Hoppe | Published: 11/2/2013
All of the major candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Texas have, to varying degrees, kept company with lobbyists, show dozens of disclosure reports examined by The Dallas Morning News. In the last five years, they have received tens of thousands of dollars worth of meals, gifts, and help holding campaign fundraisers, all from representatives of companies and industries with major business before the state.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.
November 7, 2013 •
Our Expertise Available to You at the DC Liftoff Forum!
State and Federal Communications is hosting a launch forum on November 12th and November 13th at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. If you are interested in learning more about our site from the folks who have put it […]
State and Federal Communications is hosting a launch forum on November 12th and November 13th at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
If you are interested in learning more about our site from the folks who have put it all together, please give Elliott Postlewait a call at 330-761-9960 or e-mail him at epostlewait@stateandfed.com and set up a time for the program. We welcome you and your staff to our program.
Click here or on the graphic below to register online.
![Liftoff invitation](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Liftoff-invitation.jpg)
November 7, 2013 •
New Brunswick, Canada Introduces Lobbyists’ Registration Act
A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly. It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 […]
A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly.
It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 for repeat offenses.
Prior attempts to create a lobbyist registry failed in 2007 and 2011.
November 7, 2013 •
Pennsylvania General Assembly Debuts New Website
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has launched a new and improved website. The new site makes it easier to track general assembly activities, with scheduled committee meetings listed right on the home page. The site also includes an improved legislative search […]
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has launched a new and improved website. The new site makes it easier to track general assembly activities, with scheduled committee meetings listed right on the home page. The site also includes an improved legislative search feature, with a new email tracking system allowing users to sign up for email alerts when legislation of interest changes status.
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said the change was designed to bring greater transparency to the General Assembly’s activities and make it easier for citizens to track legislative activities.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly website can be found at www.legis.state.pa.us.
![PA website screenshot](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/PA-website-screenshot.png)
November 7, 2013 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune. Campaign Finance Illinois: “Feds send warning […]
Lobbying
“Chamber Hill Strategies hires new ‘political muscle’” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Minnesota: “Hey, big spenders: Minnesota reports on 2012 spending on lobbying” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star Tribune.
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Feds send warning letter to Jackson Jr. over campaign fund” by Katherine Skiba in the Chicago Tribune.
Louisiana: “Louisiana law silent on whether candidates must return illegal contributions” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Louisiana: “Bobby Jindal’s political appointees have showered his campaign with cash” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.
Michigan: “Bill would double campaign donor limits in Michigan” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.
Minnesota: “Independence question vexes Minn. campaign board” by The Associated Press in the Crookston Times.
Ethics
Missouri: “Mo. state representative faces stealing, finance charges” by Aja J Williams on KSDK News.
Elections
Ohio: “Ohio legislature passes new ballot-access rules for minor political parties; Libertarians promise lawsuit” by Jeremy Pelzer in The Plain Dealer.
Texas: “May 10 date for Texas Senate race special election” by The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle.
Redistricting
“Kentucky lawmakers disagree on which districts they represent” by Jack Brammer in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
November 6, 2013 •
Missouri Online Lobbying Database Created
St. Louis Public Radio and NPR joined together to form a partnership recently. The result was a project aimed at educating the public regarding state lobbying. Using information gathered from the Missouri Ethics Commission, they created an online database with […]
St. Louis Public Radio and NPR joined together to form a partnership recently. The result was a project aimed at educating the public regarding state lobbying.
Using information gathered from the Missouri Ethics Commission, they created an online database with the names of lobbyists, lawmakers, gifts, and transaction details. Also accessible are easy to understand charts and graphs.
See it all at LobbyingMissouri.org.
November 6, 2013 •
Legislation We Are Tracking
At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital […]
At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying and can be found in the client portion of our website.
Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly email updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regard to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.
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.