What do the National Conference of State Legislatures, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and the Council of State Governments have in common? They all have national conferences where you can meet with meet with public officials, sponsor activities, host receptions, […]
What do the National Conference of State Legislatures, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and the Council of State Governments have in common?
They all have national conferences where you can meet with meet with public officials, sponsor activities, host receptions, and distribute promotional items. But, these opportunities require your due diligence to ensure you remain compliant with all applicable gift and lobbying laws.
Our new tip sheet “Ethics Implications for Expenditures at National Conferences” will help you determine what you can – and cannot – do at these conferences so you can always say, “I comply.”
Get your FREE copy today!
May 2, 2017 •
Tennessee Legislators Considering Disclosure Requirements for Travel Expenses Provided by Lobbyists
The Tennessee House voted unanimously last week to require legislators to disclose travel expenses provided by anyone with an interest in public policy if the travel was for the purpose of educating a legislator with respect to said policy. The […]
The Tennessee House voted unanimously last week to require legislators to disclose travel expenses provided by anyone with an interest in public policy if the travel was for the purpose of educating a legislator with respect to said policy.
The bill, as originally introduced, would cover national organizations such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), or other organizations where corporations provide scholarship funds for legislators to attend a conference.
The bill would require disclosure of the corporation or entity providing the scholarship or funding, but would not require specific dollar amounts.
The Senate passed an amendment to the House bill to exclude from the definition of travel expense any expense paid for by an organization of elected or appointed state government officials, or any other established and recognized organization serving as an umbrella organization for legislative officials and staff.
It has been placed back on the House calendar for early May.
March 19, 2015 •
South Carolina Ethics Reform Back in Senate
Ethics reform is again in the hands of the Senate after the House voted overwhelmingly to overhaul ethics laws. House Bill 3722 would give the State Ethics Commission authority to investigate legislators, would amend certain unconstitutional campaign finance definitions, and […]
Ethics reform is again in the hands of the Senate after the House voted overwhelmingly to overhaul ethics laws.
House Bill 3722 would give the State Ethics Commission authority to investigate legislators, would amend certain unconstitutional campaign finance definitions, and would remove a lobbyist employer’s ability to pay for American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conventions.
The Judiciary Committee has reported the bill as favorable with an amendment to remove certain whistleblower protections.
August 11, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Corporate Lobby ALEC Aims at U.S. City Councils With New Group” by Tim Jones in Bloomberg. “Netflix bulks up K St. help” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. Campaign Finance “Big Checks Strengthen Super PACs” by Kent Cooper […]
Lobbying
“Corporate Lobby ALEC Aims at U.S. City Councils With New Group” by Tim Jones in Bloomberg.
“Netflix bulks up K St. help” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
Campaign Finance
“Big Checks Strengthen Super PACs” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Waiting for the next Watergate” by Byron Tau in Politico.
“Wall Street Campaign-Cash Restrictions Face Legal Attack” by Robert Schmidt in Bloomberg.
Arizona: “Groups spend nearly $2 million in Arizona primary” by The Associated Press in the Arizona Daily Sun.
Montana: “Montana candidates late with campaign finance reports” by The Associated Press in the Great Falls Tribune.
Pennsylvania: “Pa. lawmakers face crowded calendar when they return” by The Associated Press in Herald-Mail Media.
West Virginia: “‘Dark money’ finds its way to W.Va.” by Ben Fields in The Herald-Dispatch.
Wyoming: “Candidates, committees disclose info as campaign finance deadline looms” by Laura Hancock in the Casper Star-Tribune.
Ethics
Florida: “Florida Lawmakers’ Personal Wealth Keeps Growing” by Marianela Toledo in the Sunshine State News.
Rhode Island: “Ethics complaint filed against R.I. Rep. Palumbo over beach concession contracts” by Randal Edgar in the Providence Journal.
West Virginia: “Lawmakers can’t use voters lists when sending letters, Ethics Commission rules” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.
June 9, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Patton Boggs loses five more to rival Akin Gump” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “ALEC Goes Local” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing. Illinois: “Andy Shaw: Lobbying by ex-U.S. rep doesn’t violate law, just our trust” by Andy […]
Lobbying
“Patton Boggs loses five more to rival Akin Gump” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“ALEC Goes Local” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing.
Illinois: “Andy Shaw: Lobbying by ex-U.S. rep doesn’t violate law, just our trust” by Andy Shaw in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Campaign Finance
“Four Years Later, FEC May Finally Update Its Books With Citizens United Ruling” by Shane Golmacher in National Journal.
“McAllister says he expected contribution for vote” by Alexandra Jaffe in The Hill.
“Donor Admits Giving $150K to Straw Donors for U.S. Senate Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
“Rep. Rob Andrews Gets Off Scot Free” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.
Alaska: “Outside Money Floods Alaska in Senate Race” by Jeremy W. Peters in The New York Times.
Alaska: “Big spenders buy up Alaska air time” by Matt Buxton in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Massachusetts: “Outside money pours into gov’s race” by Christian M. Wade in The Salem News.
Mississippi: “At $40 per vote, Mississippi race reflects no-limits politics” by Hembree Brandon in the Farm Press Blog.
Ethics
Hawaii: “Hawaii Ethics Commission Drafts Guide for Legislative Allowances” by Chad Blair in the Honolulu Civil Beat.
Rhode Island: “Edward Fitzpatrick: For some, ‘de novo’ makes ethics bill a no-go” by Edward Fitzpatrick in the Providence Journal.
Elections
“6 cities bid for Democratic National Convention in 2016” by James Hohmann in Politico.
From the State Legislatures
Colorado: “Governor’s office drafts bill on drilling issue that could trigger special legislative session” by Megan Schrader in The Gazette.
New York: “As NY Legislative Session Winds Down, Minimum Wage, Medical Marijuana Among Unresolved Issues” by The Associated Press in CBS New York.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Local lawyers develop an app that makes it easier to lobby a cause” by Steve Tarter in the Journal Star.
“#Whoa: CIA Launches Twitter, Facebook Accounts” by Frank Konkel in Nextgov.
December 6, 2013 •
News You Can Use Digest – December 6, 2013
National: ALEC Facing Funding Crisis from Donor Exodus in Wake of Trayvon Martin Row The Guardian – Ed Pilkington and Suzanne Goldenberg | Published: 12/3/2013 A conservative group that critics say has undue influence on public policy faces […]
National:
ALEC Facing Funding Crisis from Donor Exodus in Wake of Trayvon Martin Row
The Guardian – Ed Pilkington and Suzanne Goldenberg | Published: 12/3/2013
A conservative group that critics say has undue influence on public policy faces a funding crisis and possible legal trouble, show internal documents. The documents indicate the American Legislative Exchange Council is appealing to major donors for help in averting a financial crisis, and is establishing a new project with a different name to help remove “questions of ethical violations made by our critics and state ethics boards,” reported The Guardian.
State Supreme Court Judges Reveal Scant Financial Information
The Center for Public Integrity – Reity O’Brien, Kytja Weir, and Chris Young | Published: 12/4/2013
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have more lax financial disclosure rules for their high court justices than the disclosure requirements for federal judges, according to an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity. Some states do not require any disclosure of gifts to judges; others have limits but with loopholes. The center cited Iowa, which allows these judges to receive gifts worth any amount for their wedding or for their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries.
Federal:
Capitol Metrics Bridges Lobbying and Data
Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 12/1/2013
There were not many data-driven resources for lobbyists to research their competitors or potential merger partners. Then John Brain got the idea to create Capitol Metrics. It compiles lists of the top lobby firms by revenue, as well as the companies and associations that are spending the most on lobbying. Capitol Metrics also breaks down some of the data and packages it in a way that a lobbyist can better spot opportunities to pick up new business.
SEC Backs Off Corporate Giving Regs
The Hill – Ben Goad | Published: 12/2/2013
The Securities and Exchange Commission dropped a proposal to require publicly traded firms to disclose campaign spending to their shareholders from its list of regulatory priorities, a potential setback for watchdogs looking for ways to force some of the anonymous money in elections into public view. The issue drew more than 650,000 written comments, along with rebukes from trade groups, which argued the push was intended to silence of voice of business in politics.
From the States and Municipalities:
Arizona – Donation Cap for Political Campaigns Still in Place, for Now
East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 11/26/2013
The Arizona Supreme Court rejected a bid by top Republican lawmakers to allow campaign donors to give more while the justices review the legality of the increase. The justices agreed to give the GOP interests a chance to convince them the Court of Appeals erred in ruling the Legislature acted unconstitutionally earlier this year in approving the sharp increase. A hearing is set for December 17.
District of Columbia – Council Unanimously Approves Campaign Finance Reform Legislation
DCist.com – Matt Cohen and Sarah Anne Hughes | Published: 12/4/2013
The District of Columbia Council unanimously passed a campaign finance reform bill recently. The legislation will restrict contributions from related businesses and require campaigns to report all fundraising data online. The bill also limits money order donations to $100. Lobbyists will have to disclose any contributions bundled and forwarded to a campaign.
Louisiana – Super PAC Backing Sen. David Vitter Says State Has No Choice, Must Lift $100,000 Contribution Limit
New Orleans Times Picayune – Bruce Alpert | Published: 12/4/2013
The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, the super PAC created to support U.S. Sen. David Vitter, wants to end enforcement of the state’s $100,000 limit on independent committee donations. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling that equated spending on independent political expenditures with free speech, and a follow-up decision by a federal appeals court, makes it clear that such limits are unconstitutional, say lawyers for the PAC. Groups favoring limits on campaign spending do not necessarily disagree.
Minnesota – ‘Free Lunches’ Back on Menu for Minnesota Legislators
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Abby Simons | Published: 12/3/2013
For the first time in 19 years, Minnesota lawmakers and their staff will be allowed to eat and drink for free at receptions hosted by special interest groups, as long as all 201 legislators are invited at least five days in advance. Backers of the new law say the easing of what once was one of the strictest gift bans in the nation was needed as a way to restore camaraderie in an increasingly polarized Legislature. The law still prohibits lawmakers from accepting gifts in more exclusive gatherings.
Missouri – Prefiled Bills Suggest Ethics Reform on Agenda
Springfield News-Leader – Jonathan Shorman | Published: 12/4/2013
Eight ethics reform bills have been filed in the Missouri Senate by members of both parties. Senate Bill 486 would cap the amounts any one donor may give to a candidate: $25,000 for gubernatorial and statewide candidates, $10,000 for senators, and $2,500 for representatives and other public offices. Senate Bill 512 requires lawmakers to reimburse lobbyists for expenses within 30 days.
Nevada – Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Ethics Laws
San Francisco Chronicle – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 11/27/2013
The Nevada Supreme Court upheld the state Ethics Commission’s censure of a former Sparks City Council member who voted for a casino project even though his campaign manager was a consultant on the project. The decision reversed an earlier high court opinion that found the ethics law prohibited Councilperson Michael Carrigan from exercising his First Amendment rights to free speech.
New Mexico – New Mexico’s ‘Revolving Door’
Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 11/29/2013
New Mexico lawmakers are free to resign one day and start lobbying the next. A recent report by a watchdog group identified 26 former legislators who work as lobbyists. Critics say the “revolving-door” practice erodes public trust in government by allowing former lawmakers to cash in on their expertise and connections with former colleagues.
New York – Report: Reform can’t wait
Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 12/2/2013
A state commission investigating public corruption in New York recommended a system of public financing for state elections, an independent election-law enforcement agency, and stricter disclosure policies for legislators, saying a “permissive culture of both illegal and legal corruption” must change. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to use the panel’s suggestions as the basis for a series of ethics law changes in 2014.
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.
August 7, 2013 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Here is our roundup of the latest articles on lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and more!
Lobbying
“100 People to Watch This Fall” in The Hill.
“Legislators head to Chicago for ALEC retreat” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Campaign Finance
New York: “Moreland panel issues its first subpoenas” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.
Ethics
Public Corruption Convictions: State Totals, 2001-2010 in Governing.
New York: “Bruno trial is a go” by Brendan J. Lyons in the Albany Times Union.
New York: “Court Rules Bruno May Face Fraud Charges” by The Associated Press in The New York Times.
Virginia: “Support lacking for Cuccinelli’s quick ethics reform” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.
Virginia: “Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling calls for gift and ethics reform” by Rosalind S. Helderman in The Washington Post.
From the State Legislatures
Kansas: “Brownback signs resolution for special session” by Tim Carpenter in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
NCSL 2013 Legislative Summit Online Resources
Government Tech and Social Media
“Analysis: How Twitter Is Revolutionizing Washington Relationships” by Matthew Cooper in NextGov.
Massachusetts: “MA Democratic Primary Candidates To Participate In Crowdsourced Online Debate” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.
New York: “Elections to Be Easier for Voters With an App” by Nick Corasaniti in The New York Times.
Redistricting
Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State in Governing.
November 2, 2012 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our November and December calendar. Say hello at future events where State and Federal Communications will be attending and/or speaking regarding compliance issues.
November 17-20, 2012 SGAC Leaders’ Policy Conference, Santa Monica, California
November 28-30, 2012 ALEC States and Nation Policy Summit, Washington, D.C.
December 2-5, 2012 COGEL Annual Conference 2012, Columbus, Ohio
December 3, 2012 Women in Government Relations PACs, Politics and Grassroots Taskforce Annual Conference, TBD
October 16, 2012 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News
Keep up with the latest government relations news with these articles:
Lobbying
“Lobbyists ready for a comeback under Mitt Romney” by Anna Palmer in Politico.
“Lobbyists Might Join Romney’s Team” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Hill Climbers: Long Hill Career Leads to K Street” by Molly C. Braswell in Roll Call.
Wyoming: “ALEC Model Bill Group Triggers Calls for Transparency” by Greg Nickerson in WyoFile.
Campaign Finance
“The IRS’s ‘feeble’ grip on big political cash” by Kenneth P. Vogel and Tarini Parti in Politico.
Ethics
Florida: “Gaetz unveils massive ethics overhaul proposal” in the Orlando Sentinel.
October 4, 2012 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our October and November calendar. Say hello at future events where State and Federal Communications will be attending and/or speaking regarding compliance issues.
October 11, 2012 WASRG Summit, Washington, D.C.
November 17-20, 2012 SGAC Leaders’ Policy Conference, Santa Monica, California
November 28-30, 2012 ALEC States and Nation Policy Summit, Washington, D.C.
September 11, 2012 •
Tuesday News Roundup
Take a look at these lobbying, campaign finance, and social media articles:
Lobbying
“ALEC Finds New Friends” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
Arizona: “Ex-Fiesta Bowl lobbyist takes plea deal in probe” by Craig Harris in the Arizona Republic.
Campaign Finance
“Appeals court upholds Illinois campaign disclosure law” by Nate Raymond (Reuters) in the Chicago Tribune.
Minnesota: “Minnesota to keep enforcing campaign disclosure law; federal judge called part of it ‘onerous’” by Martiga Lohn (Associated Press) in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“Nonstop Fundraising Stretch Starts” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.
“Rahm Emanuel suspends super PAC fundraising” by Kenneth P. Vogel in Politico.
“Shop Talk: Celebrating Campaign Women” by Kyle Trygstad in Roll Call.
“Look-alike sites funnel big money to mystery PAC” by Shaqne Goldmacher in NextGov.
“Corporate Contributions and Disclosure” editorial in the New York Times.
Social Media
“Twitter adopts new targeting method for advertisers” by Steve Friess in Politico.
“Cementing social media’s place in the campaign world” in Campaigns & Elections.
“Social-Media Insights Inspired By Barack Obama, America’s First Truly Social President” by Amber Mac in Fast Company.
“Nine Tech Tips for Starting a New Government Job” by Mark Micheli in Government Executive.
“Social Media Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Government Career” by Mark Malseed in OhMyGov!
July 17, 2012 •
Tuesday News Summary
Campaign finance, lobbying, ethics, and social media
Campaign Finance
Connecticut: “Vote to kill filibuster on campaign finance bill fails, despite Connecticut senators’ support” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Florida: “Unlimited campaign contributions finding a route to Florida lawmakers” by Steve Bousquet in the Miami Herald.
Lobbying
“ALEC struggles to retain members” by Steve Terrell in the Santa Fe New Mexican.
“Tech lobbyists’ new mantra: Strength through unity” by Michelle Quinn in Politico.
Connecticut: “Lobbyists form SuperPAC to help Murphy in Senate race” by Ana Radelat in the CT Mirror.
Government Ethics
“Former top state administrator fined for conflicts of interest” by Jennifer Gollan in the Bay Citizen.
Gov 2.0
“Despite Cuomo’s Vow of Sunlight, a Bid to Keep Aides’ E-Mail in the Dark” by Thomas Kaplan in The New York Times.
“What Social Media Do Government Officials Use Most?” by Matt Williams in Government Technology.
July 3, 2012 •
See You at a Summer Conference
Aren’t you jealous of the families taking vacations in the summer? I know we all try to fit them in but it’s hard to do when you look at the summer schedule of conferences.
Between NCSL, CSG, NGA, and ALEC there is little time between July 11th and August 8th to jump in a pool. And, let me add the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is holding its Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress July 1st through July 5th. Yes, only the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese would think it is okay to have a conference during American Independence Day in Phoenix, Arizona. But, that is where yours truly will be for the holiday.
This year I have written a lot about how professional development and networking are really connected. Attending these conferences is a phenomenal way to run into people you might not see regularly and the associations have events incorporating networking opportunities.
My favorite conference this year will be CSG MLC in Cleveland, Ohio! This conference is including events at Blossom Music Center (the VA Wolf Trap of Ohio), at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and even the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in Canton. You will see the best of the best Ohio has to offer and we are only a few blocks away from Dan Gilbert’s Horseshoe Casino.
If CSG MLC isn’t in your plans, check out O H I O Night at NCSL in Chicago. Thanks to our friends at Whirlpool, this event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday August 8th, at the Reid Murdoch Building on 325 North LaSalle—Penthouse Level. We will be happy to send you sponsor information to join us.
Until next month, remember you bring value to your organization because of the people you know in the government affairs community. See you on the circuit!
July 2, 2012 •
Monday Campaign Finance and Lobbying News Roundup
Don’t miss today’s articles:
Campaign Finance
“Political Perceptions: Email Fundraising, Too Forward?” by Peter Nicholas in The Wall Street Journal.
“The 2012 Congressional race and super PAC intermingling” by Stephen Wright in the Examiner.
Maryland: Editorial “Cleaning up Maryland politics” in The Washington Post.
Michigan: “Michigan Campaign Finance Network questions fundraising by lame-duck lawmakers” by The Associated Press in Crain’s Detroit Business.
Lobbying
“Bill Miller to head lobbying for Business Roundtable” by Mike Allen in Politico.
“Mining bill drew lobbyists’ attention” by Steve Mistler in the Portland Press Herald.
“Investment in lobbying not surefire in Maine” by Steve Mistler in the Kennebec Journal.
“Who is ALEC?” on CBS News.
“Former IRS Official Demands Investigation of ALEC” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.
“Ethics Inquiry Exonerates Governor In Lobbying” by Robbie Brown in The New York Times.
Rhode Island: “Former Lawmakers Cash in Playing Revolving Door Game” by Dan McGowan in GoLocalProv.com.
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