August 2-5, 2013   National Governors Association Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 8, 2013   Public Relations Society of America, Tangiers in Akron, Ohio

August 12-15, 2013   NCSL Legislative Summit Booth 921, Atlanta, Georgia

September 19-22, 2013   CSG National Conference, Kansas City, Missouri

September 25-27, 2013   Public Affairs Council State and Local Government Relations Conference, Washington, D.C.

Q. I will be attending the NCSL conference this summer.  Do regular gift limits on expenditures for public officials apply during this event?

A. The answer will vary depending upon whether you are paying for a private event or sponsoring a conference-affiliated event.  Taking a legislator to dinner, paying for cab fare or other transportation, or giving him or her a ticket to a ballgame are not considered part of the official conference agenda and normal gift limits will apply.  Also, for private events, the answer will depend upon whether you or your company are registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist employer.  In most instances, states have more stringent gift laws applicable to lobbyists and lobbyist principals.

Many states have gift limit exceptions specifically carved out for expenditures at national conferences to which all members of the legislature are invited. Further, State Night events at NCSL are considered part of the conference agenda; therefore, when national conference gift exceptions exist, they will apply.

Although a State Night sponsorship may be permissible, it is important to determine if and when the expenditure must be disclosed.  Know the reporting requirements before the event, because an attendee list may be required. The reporting implications range from simple aggregate disclosure to detailed reporting where the name of every legislator attending must be listed.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

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 the State and Federal Communications digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying, and can be found in the client portion of the State and Federal Communications’ website.

Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly e-mail updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regards to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.

National:

Heiresses Apparent: Daughters take their turn for the political dynasty

Washington Post – Emily Heil | Published: 7/26/2013

Perhaps more than any previous year, the 2014 midterm campaigns feature a wave of daughters eager to embrace their fathers’ political legacies while forging their own political futures. And at a time when the 2016 presidential field appears likely to include both the son of a prominent politician (Rand Paul) and the wife of a president (Hillary Clinton), it is no surprise that daughters are forming a political class of their own.

State Republican Parties Mired in Dysfunction

The Associated Press – Steve Peoples | Published: 7/25/2013

Several state Republican leaders have been forced out or resigned in recent months, and many state parties face financial problems and skeptical national leaders. The conflicts highlight the tug of war over the GOP’s future as national leaders work to improve the party’s brand. At the same time, the dysfunction raises questions about the GOP’s ability to coordinate political activities in key battleground states ahead of the midterm elections.

Federal:

Next Citizens United? McCutcheon Supreme Court Case Targets Campaign Contribution Limits

Huffington Post – Paul Blumenthal | Published: 7/31/2013

Electrical engineer and budding political donor Shaun McCutcheon, now joined by the Republican National Committee, is bringing the biggest campaign finance case before the U.S. Supreme Court since the controversial 2010 Citizens United decision. If the justices rule in their next term for McCutcheon, it would mark the first time the court had found a federal contribution limit unconstitutional and would open the door for even more money to flood the political system.

Women Lobbyists May Be Worth More

National Journal – Elahe Izadi | Published: 7/30/2013

While men outnumber women on K Street, an analysis by LegisStorm shows individual lobbying contracts held by women are worth more on average than those held by men. The study, one of the first of its kind, offers a window on Washington’s roughly $3 billion lobbying industry and how it is evolving.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Corporations Can Make Unlimited Campaign Contributions

Gadsden Times – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2013

Companies can now give unlimited amounts to candidates in Alabama. The end of the $500 limit on August 1 means Alabama will become the fifth state with no cap on campaign donations. Lobbyist Bob Geddie said some companies may contribute directly to candidates now that the limit is off, but most will keep donating to PACs. He said if their corporate name ends up on a candidate’s campaign finance report, they know others will call for donations.

Arizona – Supporters Ask Judge to Block Higher Campaign Limits

Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 7/31/2013

The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission asked Maricopa County Superior Court to block an increase in state campaign contribution limits. The state Supreme Court declined to consider the commission’s special-action lawsuit in the matter. The plaintiffs were allowed to start over by filing the lawsuit anew with a lower court.

California – Cupid’s Work Gets Complicated as California Lawmaker Dates Lobbyist

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 7/31/2013

State Assemblyperson Brian Maienschein is dating Carolyn Ginno, a lobbyist for the California Medical Association. While the romance does not violate any rules, it has raised concerns among some good government groups. Watchdogs said Maienschein should step down from committees that routinely vote on bills the association lobbies, such as the health and business panels.

Colorado – Chieftain Newsroom Execs Sign Giron Recall Petitions, Blasted for ‘Ethics Conflict’

Huffington Post – John Tomasic (Colorado Independent) | Published: 7/30/2013

A local activist group reported Pueblo Chieftain General Manager Ray Stafford and at least two other newsroom executives signed petitions to have Colorado Sen. Angela Giron recalled over her support for gun-control laws. The group said the signatures amount to a breach of professional ethics. Stafford also wrote Giron an e-mail that many viewed as a threat.

Illinois – Scandal Puts Focus on ‘Toothless’ Ill. Ethics Law

Chicago Tribune – Kerry Lester (Associated Press) | Published: 7/30/2013

The Legislative Ethics Commission has agreed to look into whether Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and two of his fellow Democrats tried to use clout to interfere with personnel matters at Metra, the Chicago-area transit agency. But the committee is working under a law that critics say is too vague on what constitutes a conflict-of-interest and lacks sufficient enforcement powers.

Indiana – Tony Bennett, Former Indiana School Superintendent, Changed Top GOP Donor’s School’s Grade

Huffington Post – Tony LoBianco (Associated Press) | Published: 7/29/2013

Tony Bennett, the then-head of the Indiana department of Education, pressed for changes to the state’s school grading formula to help a campaign donor’s charter school. According to e-mails obtained by The Associated Press, Bennett demanded the changes when it appeared a charter school backed by influential Republican donor Christel DeHaan was going to earn a “C” in the state’s grading system.

Missouri – In Missouri, Campaign Donors Fund Phones, Sports Tickets, Golf Balls

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Elizabeth Crisp | Published: 7/31/2013

A St. Louis Post-Dispatch analysis shows lawmakers and statewide officials often turn to their campaign funds to pay for a wide range of personal expenses that, they argue, are associated with their official or campaign duties. Meals, travel, and fundraising events – including costs associated with popular golf tournaments – were among the major expenses for candidates and elected officials.

New York – Exemption Rules under Review

Albany Times Union – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 7/30/2013

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics is putting off a decision on applications from lobbying groups hoping to shield their donors from public view as it debates tweaks to its regulations. Emergency rules that will become permanent in August allow the commission to exempt donors that face “harm, threats, harassment, or reprisals” if it became known they were contributing to a cause. Commissioners agreed to have a public discussion on amending the exemption, possibly in early September.

North Carolina – McCrory Not Up On Voter Law He Signed

Charlotte Post – Michael Biesecker (Associated Press) | Published: 8/1/2013

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that makes extensive changes to the state’s election law, even though he admitted he was not familiar with key provisions on preventing voter fraud. At a press conference, the governor did single out the section of the bill that prohibits lobbyists from passing campaign donations directly to lawmakers.

South Carolina – State House for Sale: SC’s unregistered lobbyists profit in ‘gray area’

The State – Jamie Self | Published: 7/27/2013

Many companies and groups in South Carolina seek state money each year. To press their cases, they employ hundreds of lobbyists. But not everyone trying to influence lawmakers registers with the state as a lobbyist as required by the ethics law.

Tennessee – Ethics Panel Stalls on Tom Ingram Lobbying Hearing; Dismissal Vote Falls Short

Knoxville News Sentinel – Tom Humphrey | Published: 8/1/2013

A vote to scuttle penalties against prominent political operative Tom Ingram fell short in the Tennessee Ethics Commission. The panel voted three-to-one to drop the cases against Ingram, his colleague Marcille Durham, and client Hillsborough Resources for failing to register to lobby for three years on behalf of a coal company seeking to mine on public lands. That is one vote short of the minimum needed to pass, so members agreed to hear the cases again at a September meeting.

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.

The Legislative Ethics Commission has renewed its 2012 recommendations for several changes to the code of legislative ethics.

The recommended changes include:

• requiring employers of lobbyists to report the cost of advertising supporting or opposing legislation that appears during a session of the general assembly, if the cost is paid by an employer of lobbyists or a person affiliated with an employer;

• prohibiting employers of lobbyists and PACs from making campaign contributions to legislative candidates or legislators during a regular session of the general assembly, and prohibiting lobbyists from directly soliciting contributions for an election campaign of a legislator or legislative candidate;

• repeal the provision allowing each lobbyist and employer to spend up to $100 annually on food and beverages for each legislator and his or her immediate family, and prohibit lobbyists and employers from paying for out-of-state travel, food, or lodging expenses for legislators or candidates; and

• limiting the interaction between lobbyists and candidates who have filed to run for election to the general assembly, who are currently not subject to the $100 limit on food and beverage or prohibition on receiving anything of value from a lobbyist or employer.

Hawaii and Iowa will be seeing some changes in their campaign finance laws as a result of passed bills and court decisions.

In Iowa, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state’s law requiring groups making independent expenditures to disclose information about their spending, but struck down the part of the law requiring those same groups to file supplemental reports. Under the old law, if a group spent more than $750 on independent expenditures it would be required to file a report within 48 hours, and if the group spent more than $1,000 in expenditures it would be required to file a supplemental report on the 19th of January, May, July, and October. However, in Iowa Right to Life Committee, Inc. v. Tooker, the court held the supplemental reports to be “additional, redundant, and more burdensome.” Therefore, groups making independent expenditures are no longer required to file supplemental reports.

In Hawaii, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed two bills into law. Senate Bill 31 changes the way noncandidate committees, corporations, and other associations active in elections disclose their political spending. In the past, those groups were required to file supplemental reports on January 31 and July 31 only in years following an election. Under the new law, which took effect immediately upon Abercrombie’s signature, the January 31 supplemental report must be filed every year. The bill also requires those groups, when filing the reports, to make a distinction between contributions made and contributions received.

Abercrombie also signed House Bill 1147 into law. This bill, which takes effect November 5, 2014, requires noncandidate committees making only independent expenditures to include, in a prominent location, the names of the top three contributors making the highest aggregate contributions to the noncandidate committee for the purpose of the advertisement. This requirement only applies to advertisements which are broadcasted, televised, circulated, or published, and are of a duration so as not to create a hardship to the committee. The bill also requires a noncandidate committee making an independent expenditure in the last two weeks before an election exceeding $500 to file a late expenditure report.

Lobbying

“Industries Cut Lobbying Expenditures – Again” by Russ Choma in Open Secrets Blog.

California: “Cupid’s work gets complicated as California lawmaker dates lobbyist” by Laurel Rosenhall in the Sacramento Bee.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lobbyists spend $15.6M in first half of 2013” by M.D. Kittle in the Wisconsin Reporter.

Campaign Finance

Alabama: “Alabama’s cap on corporate political donations ends today under changes to campaign finance law” by Mike Cason in Birmingham News.

Ethics

Florida: “Sarasota lawyer to lead Ethics Commission” by Lloyd Dunkelberger in the Herald-Tribune.

New Jersey: “Ex-Justice Wallace to head N.J. ethics panel” by Maddie Hanna in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

New York: “Speaker Silver appoints judge to NY ethics board; replaces veteran who resigned” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

From the State Legislatures

Kansas: “State Dems want voting law change in special session” by The Associated Press in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

New York: “Cuomo to decide on more than 100 bills” by Jessica Bakeman in the Democrat and Chronicle.

Government Tech and Social Media

“App Sends Traffic Complaints Straight to Congress” by Ryan Holeywell in Government Technology.

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.