On October 28, U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa introduced a bill dealing with federal vendor suspensions and debarment.

The Stop Unworthy Spending Act (SUSPEND Act), House Resolution 4435, establishes a Board of Suspension with the General Services Administration for purposes of serving as a centralized body to manage and improve all executive agency suspension and debarment activities. The bill terminates any suspension and debarment office or functions in other executive agencies effective October 1, 2016 but it does allow for some exceptions.

“While the vast majority of contractors and grantees fulfill their obligations, the SUSPEND Act streamlines the procedures for dealing with the ones that do not,” said Issa in a House Oversight Committee press release.

The legislation provides $2 million dollars for each fiscal year from 2015 to 2021 to carry out the functions of the newly created Board.

Lobbying

“Spending on Lobbying Keeps Slipping” by Russ Choma in the Center for Responsive Politics’ OpenSecrets.org.

“Surging cellphone industry shops for a new lobby chief” by Brendan Sasso and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

New Mexico: “Report examines NM lobbyists’ largesse” by Deborah Baker in the Albuquerque Journal.

Tennessee: “Tennessee Railroads names top lobbyist” by Lori Becker in the Nashville Business Journal.

Campaign Finance

“Do Rich Donors Really Buy Elections? These Stunning Maps Say It All” by Raphaella Baek in PolicyMic.

New Jersey: “Record Spending in New Jersey Elections” by Heather Haddon in The Wall Street Journal.

Texas: “Complete campaign finance totals for 2013 Houston races” in the Houston Chronicle.

Ethics

New York: “NY corruption commission subpoenas Senate Republican campaign committee records” by The Associated Press in the Post-Standard.

Tech and Social Media

Alaska: “Alaska lawmakers OK Facebook access for gov’t work” by Becker Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.

Lobbying

“Top Lobbyists 2013” in The Hill.

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“K Street sees tax reform slowly dying” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.

Iowa: “Lobbying rules reviewed for former governor’s aide” by The Associated Press in the Omaha World Herald.

Campaign Finance

“SEC Poised to Improve Political Spending Transparency” by Lisa Rosenberg in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

Nevada: “Sandoval pulls plug on perks for campaign donations” by Sandra Chereb, Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.

New York: “Four lobbying groups seek donor exemption from NY ethics board” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat & Chronicle.

Washington: “Seattle Chamber broke campaign finance rules to aid Murray PAC” by Russ Walker on KING5.com.

Ethics

New York: “Source: Commissioner quits NY ethics board” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Auburn Citizen.

Oklahoma: “Former Oklahoma Rep. Randy Terrill found guilty of political bribery charge” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.

Tech and Social Media

“Slideshow: How Governments Are Using Instagram” in Governing.

Opponents of Initiative 522, a ballot measure requiring food producers to label food items containing genetically engineered ingredients, have broken a Washington fundraising record.

The No on 522 campaign has raised more than $21 million, the most money ever raised by a statewide initiative campaign.

The overall fundraising for Initiative 522, on both sides of the issue, totals $27.7 million, which is the second highest total in state history.

Eight moms from Portland, Maine, joined hundreds of other moms from across the country to demonstrate on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol in a campaign called the Safe Chemicals Stroller Brigade. The purpose of the demonstration was to raise awareness about unsafe chemicals used in household products and to urge lawmakers to consider updates to the 1976 federal Toxic Substances Control Act, which has not been updated since its passage.

The Maine moms also met with members of the state’s congressional delegation to lobby Congress for the passage of legislation proposed by Maine Sen. Susan Collins. The Chemical Safety Improvement Act would require federal regulators to test chemicals for their health effects across a variety of consumers, including children and pregnant women.

Photo of the United States Capitol by Zack Rudisin in Wikimedia Commons.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission issued an ethics advisory in response to inquiries received regarding grassroots lobbying activity during the Legislature’s second special session. The Legislature convened on October 28 to discuss same-sex marriage, and many organizations involved in supporting or opposing the bill may be required to report activities to the commission under Hawaii lobbying law.

Grassroots lobbying activities such as preparing or distributing flyers and other mailers encouraging members of the public to contact their legislators in support of or in opposition to the bill; producing or paying for broadcast, print, or internet media announcements advocating for or against the issue; and organizing sign-waving or rallies to demonstrate support for or against same-sex marriage may all constitute reportable lobbying expenses under Hawaii law.

Lobbying

“K Street king mulls ‘going global’” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“From Cantor to K Street” by Eric Wasson in The Hill.

“Bring in the clowns: Lobby groups try fun and games” by Emily Goodin in The Hill.

Canada: “Lobbying watchdog hands down first ever suspension” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.

New Mexico: “Report compares votes, industry lobbying figures” by Steve Terrell in The Santa Fe New Mexican.

North Carolina: “Longtime lobbyists start new ventures” by Laura Leslie in WRAL.

Texas: “Ethics commission to hold confidential hearing on lobbyists” by Ross Ramsey in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal.

Campaign Finance

District of Columbia: “Ending pay-to-play in D.C.” editorial in The Washington Post.

New York: “Moreland Commission targets campaign-finance law enforcement” by Paul LaRocco in Newsday.

Pennsylvania: “Harrisburg mayoral candidates skirt campaign finance rules” by Emily Previti in The Patriot-News.

Ethics

“Federal Election Commission Returns to Full Membership” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Ex-U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi gets 3-year prison term” by The Associated Press in Politico.

New Hampshire:  “N.H. ethics panel opens investigation into Sen. Peter Bragdon’s hiring by LGC” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.

Tech and Social Media

“Why States Need Social Media Policies” by Melissa Maynard in Stateline.

City Council instructed the city’s lawyers to draft an ordinance increasing the gift limit to $150 for gifts provided by bidders, contractors, and other restricted sources. Currently, people doing business with the city can provide gifts to city officials valued at $100 or less per calendar year.

Recently, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission recommended curtailing gifts to city officials, hoping to boost public confidence in government. The commission’s recommendation would have extended the current ban on gifts from lobbyists to all people with a financial stake in city decisions.

Photo of the Los Angeles City Hall by Brion Vibber on Wikipedia.

Lobbying

“Exclusive: Washington lobbying law firm in merger talks – sources” by Casey Sullivan in Reuters.

Nevada: “Public policy maker or private lobbyist? 10 state officials play dual roles” by Andrew Doughman in the Las Vegas Sun.

Campaign Finance

Delaware: “Delaware Faces Lawsuit Over Campaign Finance Law That Targets Political Speech” by Ed Krayewski in Reason.com.

Michigan: “Michigan investigating Bernero, aides after campaign finance complaint” by Kristen M. Daum in the Detroit Free Press.

Nevada: “Sandoval campaign offers perks for cash” by Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

New Jersey: “Special interest groups exert growing influence in N.J. campaigns” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.

New York: “State limit on donations in doubt” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lawmakers rake in special interest money” by Donovan Slack in the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Ethics

California: “Settlement is last hurrah for campaign finance watchdog Ann Ravel” by Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times.

California: “Calif., PACs reach $1M campaign-finance settlement” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.

California: “L.A. moves to boost limits on gifts to lawmakers” by David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times.

Florida: “Ethics Commission wants more time for Fresen case” by James Call in the Florida Current.

Georgia: “Jordan to join Ga. ethics commission” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) I the Athens Banner-Herald.

Iowa: “Iowa Senate ethics rule protects the ‘first-in-the-nation’ franchise” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

New York: “Job interview raises ethical questions” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Oklahoma: “Jurors at political bribery trial see negative side of Oklahoma Legislature” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.

Texas: “Regulating Campaigns and Lobbying, Seen and Unseen” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.

Elections

“2013 Legislative Elections: Fierce but Few” by Daniel C. Vock in Stateline.

From the State Legislatures

Hawaii: “Hawaii lawmakers to hold special session to consider gay marriage” by Malia Mattoch and Suzanne Roig in Reuters.

Montana: “Montana legislators debate rolling back term limits” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, was the emcee at the Summit County Social Services Advisory Board  Making a Difference Human Services Forum and Awards Presentation today. Bartz is a member of the Summit County Social Services Advisory Board and a Co-Chair of its Budget and Levy Committee.

The subject of the forum was “A Network of Safety – Partners You Don’t Know, Partners You Don’t Expect” and the panelists were Captain Sylvia Trundle of the Akron Police Department, Dr. Michael Holder of the Austen BioInnovation Institute, and SA Kenneth Westak, Jr. of the FBI Cleveland.

 

 

On Thursday, October 31, State and Federal Communications is hosting its fourth annual Halloween Donut and Apple Cider sale. All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Summit County.

Drop in and say hello from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and enjoy a delicious treat. We’ll be in the lobby of 80 South Summit St. in Downtown Akron, across from Quaker Square.

The Krispy Kreme donuts are $1.00 per donut or $7.00 per dozen. The apple cider will be $1.00 per cup or $8.00 per gallon.

To reserve your donuts, you can email Joy Cosgrove at jcosgrove@stateandfed.com or Nicolette Koozer at nkoozer@stateandfed.com, or call us at 330-761-9960.

National:

Lobbying Bonanza as Firms Try to Influence European Union

New York Times – Eric Lipton Danny Hakim | Published: 10/18/2013

As the European Union has emerged as a regulatory superpower, its policies have become ever more important to corporations operating across borders. In turn, the lobbying business in Brussels has become larger and more competitive, rivaled only by Washington, D.C. Some say American law firms are undercutting efforts to bring more transparency to lobbying in the Belgian capital, citing lawyer-client confidentiality to evade a government-backed but voluntary disclosure effort.

State Pro-Business Organizations Are Publicly Funded, but Privately Controlled

The Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 10/23/2013

Some states have given control over corporate tax incentives to public-private partnerships that are often run by the states’ most influential businesspeople. Supporters say these partnerships are more nimble than government bureaucracies and are insulated from electoral politics. But much of the spending remains secret. Even most public agencies do not disclose the recipients of all the incentives because of tax privacy laws.

Federal:

Cassidy Lobby Shop Goes Social

Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 10/18/2013

With the lobbying business at a standstill on K Street, even big firms such as Cassidy & Associates have to embrace new ways of reaching policymakers and clients to protect their bottom lines. Cassidy has been trying to attract visitors to its Web site, which the firm has spent the last year overhauling to attract more potential clients through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Considers Creating Election Commission

San Francisco Chronicle – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 10/19/2013

Candidates have to report their contributions and expenditures to the Alabama secretary of state, but little is being done to make sure the reports are filed accurately. Some lawmakers said the solution could be to create a small state agency similar to the Federal Elections Commission.

California – FPPC Fines Arizona Group $1 Million for Campaign Finance Violations

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/24/2013

The California Fair Political Practices Commission levied a combined $1 million fine against Americans for Responsible Leadership and the Center to Protect Patient Rights for illegally funneling millions of dollars into a pair of ballot measure campaigns in 2012.

California – Riverside County Supervisors to Amend Campaign Finance Rules

Desert Sun; City News Service –   | Published: 10/22/2013

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors amended campaign finance regulations so candidates or PACs will, beginning January 1, 2014, have to electronically post details of a contribution within 10 days if the amount meets or exceeds $1,000. The revision affects candidates for assessor-clerk-recorder, auditor-controller, district attorney, judge, sheriff, supervisor, superintendent of schools, and treasurer-tax collector, as well as sponsors of ballot measures that are countywide in scope.

District of Columbia – Campaign Finance Reform Will Get D.C. Council Vote Next Month

Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 10/22/2013

The District of Columbia Council will vote on a package of campaign finance reforms as soon as November 5. The changes would restrict the ability of different companies owned by the same people to donate to the same candidate, require lobbyists to disclose their bundling of campaign contributions, and require political committees to report donations of $10,000 or more they believe to have been bundled, among other provisions.

Georgia – Commissioner: State auditor to handle ethics probe

Columbus Republic – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2013

The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts will investigate concerns surrounding the state ethics commission and its handling of complaints involving Gov. Nathan Deal. State Auditor Greg Griffin was initially appointed by the governor since the job became open outside of a legislative session. That connection to Deal drew criticism from Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, who called the decision a “travesty of justice,” and said a special prosecutor would have been a better option.

Hawaii – Ethics Probe into Honolulu Mayor Sparks Talk of Reform

Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 10/18/2013

Ethical questions have been raised about a luau to celebrate the inauguration of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, including whether it was a vehicle used by city contractors and lobbyists to curry favor with the new mayor. It has also opened up the debate over whether Honolulu’s ethics laws need to be strengthened to close any loopholes regarding gift-giving.

Michigan – Activists ‘Make it Rain’ in Michigan House, Drop Fake Million Dollar Bills on Lawmakers

MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 10/23/2013

Anti-corruption protesters shouted from the Michigan House gallery as they showered state lawmakers with fake million dollar bills. The national group Represent Us says Michigan has one of the worst records of government corruption in the nation. It pulled a similar stunt in the New York Senate this June.

Montana – Montana Legislature Committee Hears Divide over Political Practices Job

The Missoulian – Charles Johnson | Published: 10/22/2013

The Legislature’s State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Committee is studying Montana’s political practices office and looking at how other states regulate of campaign finances, ethics, and lobbyist and disclosure. Any recommendations will go to the 2015 Legislature for consideration. Those testifying before the committee offered divergent opinions about the role of the office and how it should be structured.

New York – Group Supporting Lhota Can Accept Unlimited Donations, Court Says

New York Times – Thomas Kaplan | Published: 10/24/2013

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled a political committee created to support New York City mayoral candidate Joseph Lhota can accept contributions above the $150,000 annual limit for individuals set by state law. The judges said the state’s cap on donations to independent political groups was probably unconstitutional.

New York – New Bill Would Require Businesses Seeking State Contracts to Detail Donations to Governor

New York Daily News – Ken Lovett | Published: 10/22/2013

A bill introduced recently in the New York Legislature would require businesses seeking state agency contracts to make public a list of all campaign contributions made to the governor and others in the executive branch. Before any contract could be awarded, the companies would have to detail all donations from the business, its subsidiaries, key employees, and their spouses over the preceding 18 month period.

Texas – 5th Circ. Axes Texas Ban on Corporate PAC Donations

Law360.com – Jeremy Heallen | Published: 10/16/2013

The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Texas cannot bar PACs from soliciting corporate donations, making it the fourth Circuit Court to uphold indirect corporate political contributions since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. Texans for Free Enterprise, a PAC that does not contribute directly to campaigns but solicits donations to run ads supporting or opposing candidates, had challenged the law.

Washington – Wash. AG Still Seeking Penalty against Food Industry Group That Didn’t Disclose Donors

Columbus Republic – Mike Baker (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2013

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson will move ahead with a lawsuit filed against the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Ferguson said he will still seek penalties from the group, which recently identified donors who contributed money to oppose a food labeling initiative. The attorney general said the case involved concealing a record-setting amount of donations and there must be sanctions for violating the law.

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 Second Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a District Court ruling, denying a preliminary injunction on campaign contributions to independent-expenditure PACs. The lawsuit was filed by New York Progress and Protection PAC, who alleged that a wealthy donor, Shaun McCutcheon, pledged to donate $200,000 to the PAC in support of Joseph J. Lhota, a NYC mayoral candidate. McCutcheon’s donation, however, would exceed the contribution limit of $150,000 to independent-expenditure committees set by New York law.

The Circuit Court granted the injunction, stating the contribution limits are “likely unconstitutional” and the claim has a substantial likelihood of success. The Court further noted the plaintiffs would face irreparable harm if the injunction was not granted.

The donor in question, Shaun McCutcheon, is also embroiled in a similar suit before the Supreme Court of the United States, challenging the federal limits to campaign contributions.

On October 23, 2013, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) updated its policy regarding a program for requesting consideration of legal questions during a report review or audit process.

The commission now provides an electronic means for filing these types of requests, which previously were available only by filing in paper form. While requests may be still submitted in paper form, the FEC encourages requestors to submit their requests via email to ensure the timely receipt and consideration of the comments.

Requestors may submit requests to LegalRequestProgram@fec.gov