All our bags are packed, we are ready to go. We are standing here, outside our door…If you follow my columns you will know I use a lot of references to songs. That’s about all I have in common with this one…but I was thinking of it today.

NCSL’s Legislative Summit begins on August 11th in Atlanta and you will find the State and Federal Communications team ready for action. We are involved with the Legislative Summit, NCSL’s Foundation Board meeting and its activities, SGAC’s activities, Virginia Night reception, WASRG’s reception, Women’s Legislative Network events, etc. Basically you will find us everywhere.

Stop by Booth 921 beginning on Tuesday and we will give you a tour of our new website, which will be presented to everyone within the month. We will also run a LIVE feed from our booth so you can stop by and wave to our on-line audience.

Thank you,

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

President and CEO

National:

Gay Couples Could Face Different Campaign Money Rules across States

Rothberg Political Report – Nathan Gonzalez | Published: 7/11/2013

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee asked the FEC to grant same-sex couples and candidates the same rights as married opposite-sex couples in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. One expert said the agency is not likely to pass its own regulation on spouses. “The FEC is likely to conclude that it’s governed by state law, [and] then you will have different fundraising rules for different states,” said former FEC Chairperson Michael Toner.

Majority of Americans Say Corruption Has Increased

U.S. News & World Report – Allie Bidwell | Published: 7/10/2013

According to a new survey by corruption watchdog Transparency International, more than a quarter of people worldwide paid a bribe when dealing with public services in the past 12 months. In the U.S., 60 percent of people said corruption has increased over the last two years, while only 10 percent said it has decreased by any amount. Overall, many countries found people do not trust the institutions they typically rely on to combat crime and corruption.

Federal:

Contractor Lobby Info: Virtually private

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 7/7/2013

Disclosure on federal intelligence and procurement matters is opaque and confusing, stemming from loopholes in the nation’s lobbying transparency laws. Critics say the current rules are outdated and riddled with exemptions, and in need of revision.

Critics Question the IRS’ New ‘Fast-Track’ Path to Tax-Exempt Status

Lancaster Eagle-Gazette – Deidre Shesgren | Published: 7/10/2013

The IRS’s acting chief, Danny Werfel, unveiled a new process as one part of the agency’s effort to address the scandal in which agents used inappropriate criteria to flag some tax-exempt applications for extra scrutiny. Werfel said any group that has been waiting for tax-exempt status for more than 120 days will be able to self-certify. Those who are eligible will have to swear at least 60 percent of their organization’s resources will be devoted to a “social welfare” purpose and they will not spend more than 40 percent of their time or money on political activities.

Deadlock by Design Hobbles Election Agency

Boston Globe – Christoher Rowland | Published: 7/7/2013

The impression of weakness at the FEC has escalated in recent years as Republicans commissioners united in the belief that the agency had been guilty of overreach and have moved to soften enforcement, block new rules, and limit oversight. According to critics, the FEC has been rendered toothless.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Brown’s Ethics Aide Erin Peth to Become Executive Director of FPPC

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 7/5/2013

Erin Peth was selected to be the new executive director of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Peth will step down from her post as deputy legal affairs secretary in Gov. Jerry Brown’s office, which she has held since 2011. Before that, she served as deputy attorney general while Brown was the state attorney general.

Georgia – Georgia Insurance Regulators Accept Meals, Golf from Industry

AccessNorthGa.com – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 7/10/2013

State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens and two of his staff members accepted meals and a round of golf from Gould Hagler, executive director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. After being questioned about the spending, Hudgens said his staff will pay for their own entertainment at future events and begin following a new law limiting lobbyist spending before it legally takes effect in January.

Maine – State’s ‘F’ Spurs New Ethics Laws for Maine Officials

Morning Sentinel – Naomi Schalit and John Christie (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 7/9/2013

A grade of “F” in a national report that measured the states’ levels of accountability and transparency in government spurred Maine lawmakers to enact reforms. The bills signed by Gov. Paul LePage include stricter reporting requirements for statements of economic interests filed by legislators and slowing the “revolving door” at the Capitol.

Nebraska – In the World of Lawmakers and Lobbyists, Who Has the Power?

Lincoln Journal-Star – JoAnne Young | Published: 7/7/2013

Some in Nebraska are asking if lobbyists exert too much influence on the legislative process. They contend that outside of committee hearing – where the public can see what is happening – lobbyists are able to advance their clients’ interests behind closed doors.

New York – NY Corruption Panel Has More Teeth, Will it Bite?

Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Michael Virtanen (Associated Press) | Published: 7/8/2013

Some have questioned whether the commission appointed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will meet its mandate to root out corruption in the state. David Grandeau, the former director of New York’s defunct lobbying commission, does not believe this new temporary group will be any more effective than the Commission on Public Integrity and its successor, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Grandeau compared the panels to the Peanuts character Charlie Brown – always having the football pulled away at the last minute.

New York – Spitzer Rejoins Politics, Asking for Forgiveness

New York Times – Michael Barbarao and David Chen | Published: 7/7/2013

Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who stepped down in 2008 over a prostitution scandal, will enter the race for run for New York City comptroller. He said he believed New Yorkers would be open to his candidacy. “I’m hopeful there will be forgiveness, I am asking for it,” said Spitzer.

North Carolina – Arrests Mount as NC Legislative Session Nears End

Charlotte Observer – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2013

Observers say some of the 700 people charged with the misdemeanors while protesting at the North Carolina General Assembly were exercising their First Amendment rights, behaving no differently than protesters from past years who were not arrested. That has raised concerns about whether Republican leaders who took control of the Legislature in 2010 are directing more aggressive enforcement against citizens who disagree with their agenda.

Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh Mayor’s Profile Wanes with Feds’ Probe

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Joe Mandak (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2013

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has gone from appearing on “Late Night with David Letterman” to facing a grand jury investigation. His staff members have testified about whether Ravenstahl sanctioned a slush fund that led to the police chief’s resignation and indictment, and whether the mayor instructed bodyguards to alter their time cards.

Tennessee – Gov. Haslam Struggles to Meet Pilot Recusal Pledge

San Francisco Chronicle – Erik Schelzig (Associated Press) | Published: 7/7/2013

An FBI investigation of alleged fraud by the sales staff at Pilot Flying J, the truck stop chain owned by the family of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, has shined a spotlight on the governor’s pledge to keep his distance from company business. Opponents attacked Haslam for refusing to disclose his personal ownership stake, among other criticisms, in the 2010 Republican primary and general election.

Virginia – McDonnell’s Corporation, Wife Allegedly Benefited from $120,000 More from Donor

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman | Published: 7/10/2013

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is facing new allegations he failed to report donations made to him and other family members. Jonnie Williams, Sr., a businessperson and prominent political donor, gave $70,000 to a corporation owned by McDonnell and his sister last year. The payments to the corporation offer the first public example of money provided by Williams that would directly benefit McDonnell and not just his family.

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.

Last week on Friday, June 21, 2013, fourteen of our State & Federal Communications’ employees, including five interns, visited the East Akron YMCA on South Main Street to celebrate United Way Day of Action. After a warm welcome from Director and Vice President of Community Development Tony Grimes, the State & Fed team brought out the rollers, paintbrushes, and cans of “Legendary Blue” paint and began the day of service.

Dressed in t-shirts that read “Live United,” each member of State & Federal Communications pulled his or her own weight in work; all participated in painting the gymnasium walls and doors as well as numerous hallways. However, the volunteers never felt the task to be daunting and instead thought of it as more of a privilege.

“Though I have lived in Akron my whole life, I am often introduced to places in this community that could use a little assistance. I am always eager to help in any way possible, and I am thankful for United Way Day of Action in giving me the opportunity to do just that,” recalls Research Intern Cristina Dickos.

State & Federal Communications has participated in United Way Day of Action for several years, and each year the company looks forward to spending a day outside the office, showing that our work reaches beyond the desk.

Marketing Intern, Joanna Kamvouris, shared her sentiments: “Day of Action gave me a chance to appreciate what I sometimes take for granted and help brighten the day of children and workers within our Akron community,” Kamvouris said. “The work we completed as a team went beyond applying bright blue paint to the walls along the East Akron YMCA. We came together and made a difference that the children will see every time they visit the YMCA.”

National:

Business Donations to Judges’ Campaigns Often Equal Friendly Rulings

State Legislators’ Ties to Nonprofit Groups Prove Fertile Ground for Corruption

Federal:

U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Suit against Lobbying Firm

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler Wrong to Use State Funds for Trip, Ethics Commission Rules

District of Columbia – Former D.C. Council Member Brown Pleads Guilty to Bribe Charge

Florida – In Abolishing CCEs, Legislators Overlooked One Glitch

Iowa – Iowa Appeals Court Upholds Campaign Disclosure Law

Maryland – Rawlings-Blake Says She Stayed at Lobbyist’s Beach House

Montana – New Political Practices Chief Wants Robust Discourse, but ‘Maximum Disclosure’

Nebraska – Legislative Show Criticized as Tasteless, too Kind to Liberals

New Jersey – NJ Engineering Firm Birdsall Pleads Guilty in Illegal Donations Scheme, Agrees to Pay $1 Million

New York – Cuomo: Raise ethics bar

Pennsylvania – Lobbyists Would Shell Out More under Fee Hike

Wisconsin – Assembly Passes Bipartisan Elections Bill

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Journalism Group Stunned by Budget Provision

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.

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado – In Colorado, Gun Control Votes Followed by Increasingly Popular Political Tool: The recall

Connecticut – Despite Corruption, Campaign Reform in Jeopardy

Maine – Maine Subpoenas Upheld for Anti-Gay Marriage Group

Maryland – Baltimore Mayor Officiates at Lobbyist Wedding in Vegas

Massachusetts – Former Cahill Aide, Goldman Banker Fined $100,000

Missouri – KC Council Approves New Ethics Code

Nevada – Campaign Transparency Bill Passes, Albeit a Watered-Down Version

New Jersey – State Campaign Finance Agency Lifts Political Contribution Caps for Independent Groups

North Carolina – Questions Raised over Campaign Checks at Center of Sweepstakes Probe

Texas – Perry Vetoes Dark Money Disclosure Bill Backed by GOP Legislature

Texas – Texas Passes Ethics Bill, But Many Proposed Reforms Are Left on the Cutting Room Floor

Utah – Utah Majority Leader and Lobbyists Vacation Together Abroad

Vermont – Shumlin: Deal was meant to help

Washington – Olympia Lobbyists Pamper Lawmakers with Free Meals

Washington – State Lawmakers Vote ‘No’ on Flaws, ‘Yes’ to Photo Retouching

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.

City Council approved changes to the ethics code setting limits on gifts to city officials and employees on Thursday, May 30, 2013. Ordinance No. 130249 prohibits an official or employee and their immediate families from knowingly accepting any gift having a value in excess of $1,000 from any person or business with a substantial interest in legislative or administrative actions.

Gifts worth more than $200 must be reported quarterly by the city official or employee. Previously, reports were due annually and there was no limit on gifts.

The bill becomes effective in 10 days unless vetoed by the Mayor.

Lobbying

Washington: “Olympia lobbyists pamper lawmakers with free meals” by Mike Baker (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Campaign Finance

“How The IRS Scandal Could Help Drain The Dark Money Out Of Politics” by Steve Almond in Cognoscenti in WBUR/NPR News.

“John Thune Doesn’t Like Super PACs” by Meredith Shiner in Roll Call.

Florida: “Critics fret over doubling of campaign-cash cap” by David Damron in Orlando Sentinel.

New York: “Hundreds rally for stalled public campaign finance bill” by Karen DeWitt in North Country Public Radio.

Ethics

Iowa: “Trial date set in Iowa court case against Michele Bachmann” by Jeff Ekhoff in the Des Moines Register.

Nevada: “Harvey Whittemore, former Nevada powerbroker, guilty in contribution case” by The Associated Press in Politico.

From the States

“Popular Governors, and Prospects for 2016” by Micah Cohen in The New York Times.

Texas: “Senate holds first hearing on redistricting” by Chris Tomlinson in the Houston Chronicle.

Open Government

Pennsylvania: “PAC records request angers more than 1,000 state employees” by The Associated Press in the Patriot News.

WKSU 89.7 FM invited Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, to record a radio spot congratulating the station for awards it has received this year. She had a great time doing it and brought along five of her interns so they could see the magical inner workings of WKSU’s Akron studio.

State and Federal Communications is a proud sponsor of WKSU. It is a great radio station and a treasure for Northeast Ohio. Their motto is “NPR. Classical. Other smart stuff.” Elizabeth’s testimonial falls under the category of “Other smart stuff.”

Take a look!

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Nebraska: “Special interests spent $13 million last year to influence state government” by Kevin O’Hanlon in the Lincoln Journal Star.

Campaign Finance

New Jersey: “State campaign finance agency lifts political contribution caps for independent groups” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.

Ethics

Alabama: “State officials disagree over alleged threats, conflict of interest” by Sebastian Kitchen in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Texas: “Texas passes ethics bill, but many proposed reforms are left on the cutting room floor” by Nicholas Kusnetz in The Center for Public Integrity.

Texas: “Texas Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Expanded Political Reporting” by Kurt Hyde in the New American.

Texas: “Searchable database of CY 2012 Texas officials’ financial statements”  by David Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.

From the State Legislatures

Nevada: “Amended annual sessions bill clears Nevada Assembly panel” by Sean Whaley in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Texas: “House begins work on redistricting” by Tim Eaton and Jonathan Tilove in the Austin American-Statesman.

Government Tech and Social Media

California: “Top 5 California Agencies Advancing Transparency on Twitter” by Jane Susskind in The Independent Voter Network.

Lobbying

“How Does Lobbying Buy Votes” by Karl Smith in Forbes.

Nebraska: “Is $27 million enough to buy influence in Nebraska?” by Paul Hammel in the Omaha World Herald.

Campaign Finance

“Campaign Finance Reform by a ‘Stroke-of-the-Pen’” by Paul Abrams in the Huffington Post.

Connecticut: “Despite corruption, campaign reform in jeopardy” by Brian Lockhart in the Connecticut Post.

Nevada: “Campaign transparency bill passes, albeit a watered-down version” by Conor Shine in the Las Vegas Sun.

New York: “Campaign Finance Reform Unlikely to Proceed in Albany” by Karen DeWitt in WNYC News.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin GOP proposes far-ranging election, campaign finance reforms” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

Ethics

Texas: “Tougher ethics bill passes Texas House” by Marty Schladen in the El Paso Times.

Government Tech and Social Media

Rhode Island: “Assembly website now allows bill updates via email, live-streaming of sessions” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.

A special election for the Massachusetts 16th Worcester Representative District has been called to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative John P. Fresolo.

The office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin announced the special primary election will be held on August 13. The special general election will follow on September 10.

Fresolo resigned from the House of Representatives on May 22 after a House ethics investigation. The nature of the investigation has not been made public, according to the Boston Globe.

Last week the Maine State Legislature passed Legislative Document 184 and over the weekend Governor Paul LePage signed it into law. Legislative Document 184 requires legislators to wait one year after their term ends before engaging in activities that would require registration as a lobbyist or lobbyist associate.

Exempted from this prohibition are those former legislators who wish to engage in lobbying activities but do not receive compensation. If a legislator does engage in compensated lobbying activities during the restricted period, he or she is subject to a $1,000 civil penalty.

The law will not take effect until the start of the 127th Legislature, which will begin in December 2014.

The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die yesterday on May 27.

However, the Legislature was immediately called into special session by Governor Rick Perry. The special session began in the evening, but cannot last longer than 30 days.

The initial call for the special session will focus on approving redistricting maps drawn for the 2012 election by federal judges, according to KRISTV.com. Other items are expected to be added to the special session’s agenda.

Photo of the Texas State Capitol by Kumar Appaiah on Wikipedia.

The Oklahoma Legislature adjourned sine die one week early on May 24. Adjourning a week early saved $140,000 in expenses for the Legislature, according to The Times Record News.

Governor Mary Fallin, who has pocket veto power, has until June 8 to sign or veto any bills presented to her.