July 12, 2017 •
Wednesday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying Pennsylvania: “Convicted Ex-Lawmakers Enjoy Access as Lobbyists” by Debra Erdley and Kevin Zwick for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Campaign Finance “Law on Foreign Campaign Money Narrow, FEC Analysis Says” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA “D.C. Business Groups Fight Proposed Pay-to-Play […]
Lobbying
Pennsylvania: “Convicted Ex-Lawmakers Enjoy Access as Lobbyists” by Debra Erdley and Kevin Zwick for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Campaign Finance
“Law on Foreign Campaign Money Narrow, FEC Analysis Says” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
“D.C. Business Groups Fight Proposed Pay-to-Play Regulations” by Peter Jamison for Washington Post
North Carolina: “Lobbyist Fundraiser Invite Raises Questions” by Laura Leslie for WRAL
Virginia: “How a Shadowy Nonprofit Spent $184K in Virginia’s Governor’s Race with Almost Total Anonymity” by Graham Moomaw for Richmond Times-Dispatch
Ethics
“Trump Faces Decision on New Ethics Chief” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
“The Deep Industry Ties of Trump’s Deregulation Teams” by Danielle Ivory and Robert Faturechi for New York Times
Minnesota: “Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Ex-New York Assemblyman” by Larry Neumeister (Associated Press) for Minneapolis Star Tribune
Elections
“Trump Voting Panel Tells States to Hold Off Sending Data While Court Weighs Privacy Impact” by Spencer Hsu for Washington Post
“Donald Trump Jr. Was Told Campaign Meeting Would Be with ‘Russian Government Attorney,’ According to Emails” by Rosalind Helderman and John Wagner for Washington Post
July 11, 2017 •
New Brunswick Lobbyists Registrations Due October 1
Lobbyists have until October 1 to file their first registration and return under New Brunswick’s new lobbying law. Because of some reported difficulties in filing, Integrity Commissioner Alexandre Deschênes extended the initial July deadline for filing. “After consulting widely, it […]
Lobbyists have until October 1 to file their first registration and return under New Brunswick’s new lobbying law. Because of some reported difficulties in filing, Integrity Commissioner Alexandre Deschênes extended the initial July deadline for filing. “After consulting widely, it is my view that the lobby registry system needs further improvements to allow easier access for lobbyists and to be more meaningful for public inspection,” said Deschênes in a news release.
The Office of the Integrity Commissioner, an independent office of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, is responsible for administering the Lobbyists’ Registration Act.
July 11, 2017 •
Tuesday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying California: “California Lawmakers Want Data on Lobbyists’ Race, Sexual Orientation” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee Pennsylvania: “House Approves Bill That Strengthens Lobbying Law” by Logan Hullinger for Altoona Mirror Campaign Finance New Jersey: “Last Birdsall Executive Pleads Guilty […]
Lobbying
California: “California Lawmakers Want Data on Lobbyists’ Race, Sexual Orientation” by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
Pennsylvania: “House Approves Bill That Strengthens Lobbying Law” by Logan Hullinger for Altoona Mirror
Campaign Finance
New Jersey: “Last Birdsall Executive Pleads Guilty in Pay-to-Play Scheme” by Andrew Goudsward for Asbury Park Press
North Carolina: “Loophole Lets Lawmakers Take Campaign Cash with Legislation Still Pending” by Laura Leslie for WRAL
Elections
“Trump Jr. Was Told in Email of Russian Effort to Aid Campaign” by Matt Apuzzo, Jo Decker, Adam Goldman, and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Ethics
“At Private Dinners, Pence Quietly Courts Big Donors and Corporate Executives” by Kenneth Vogel for New York Times
California: “OC Supervisors Seek More Power Over Ethics Commission, By Changing What Voters Approved” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC
Iowa: “Trial Begins in Lawsuit Alleging Toxic ‘Boys’ Club’ at Iowa Statehouse” by Grant Rodgers for Des Moines Register
Legislative Issues
“Blue Cities Want to Make Their Own Rules. Red States Won’t Let Them.” by Emily Badger for New York Times
Texas: “Dallas Wants $8,000 Back from Philip Kingston for Missing Too Many Council Meetings” by Tristan Hallman for Dallas News
July 10, 2017 •
Flint Residents Vote for Charter Update on Aug. 8th
In 2015, voters in Flint, Michigan selected nine members to serve on the Flint Charter Review Commission. Commissioners spent the last two years drafting the charter to be approved in a citywide referendum election on August 8, 2017. The proposed […]
In 2015, voters in Flint, Michigan selected nine members to serve on the Flint Charter Review Commission.
Commissioners spent the last two years drafting the charter to be approved in a citywide referendum election on August 8, 2017. The proposed charter includes lobbyist registration provisions and a one-year revolving door provision for public servants.
The proposed revisions may be put up to a vote up to three times. In the event voters reject the proposed charter after three referenda, the commission is dissolved.
July 10, 2017 •
Monday’s State Government and Ethics News
Lobbying “Washington Firm Discloses Lobbying Senior Trump Officials on Macedonia” by John Hudson for BuzzFeed News Campaign Finance Arizona: “Ex-Arizona Attorney General Cleared in Campaign Finance Case” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report Oklahoma: “Disgraced […]
Lobbying
“Washington Firm Discloses Lobbying Senior Trump Officials on Macedonia” by John Hudson for BuzzFeed News
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Ex-Arizona Attorney General Cleared in Campaign Finance Case” by Bob Christie (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report
Oklahoma: “Disgraced Former State Senator Paying State $112,524 for Misusing Campaign Donations for Personal Expenses” by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman
Texas: “State Sues Rep. Dawnna Dukes Over Late Campaign Finance Report in 2016” by Ryan Autullo for Austin American-Statesman
Ethics
“Trump’s Son Met with Russian Lawyer After Being Promised Damaging Information on Clinton” by Jo Becker, Matt Apuzzo, and Adam Goldman for New York Times
“White House Relied Upon Dark Money Lobbyist to ‘Quarterback’ Gorsuch Confirmation” by Margaret Sassa-Hawkins and Andrew Perez for MapLight.org
“Watchdog Groups Fear for Ethics Office after Resignation” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Arizona: “Prosecutor: Gary Pierce bribery case grew from larger probe” by Jacques Billeaud (Associated Press) for Arizona Daily Star
Montana: “Legislators Face No Punishment for Ignoring Financial Disclosure Forms” by Jayme Fraser for The Missoulian
New Mexico: “Eight Judges File Recusals in Griego Case” by Andrew Oxford for Santa Fe New Mexican
July 6, 2017 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 7, 2017
National: CNN Story About Source of Trump Wrestling Video Draws Backlash New York Times – Daniel Victor | Published: 7/5/2017 A CNN story about an anonymous Reddit user who created a widely circulated video of President Trump wrestling the network’s […]
National:
CNN Story About Source of Trump Wrestling Video Draws Backlash
New York Times – Daniel Victor | Published: 7/5/2017
A CNN story about an anonymous Reddit user who created a widely circulated video of President Trump wrestling the network’s logo to the ground has inspired multiple backlashes. Some criticized it as a form of blackmail. Others raised issues of journalism ethics over the network granting conditional anonymity to the user. The 28-second video and its source have been the subject of questions since Trump tweeted it as he continued his attacks on the news media. The tweet, which was retweeted by the official presidential account, has become Trump’s most-shared post on Twitter.
The New York Times Will Fly You Around the World for $135,000. Is That a Problem?
Washington Post – Paul Farhi | Published: 7/5/2017
The New York Times is organizing and promoting a 26-day tour of nine countries, which it calls “Around the World by Private Jet: Cultures in Transformation.” The price is $135,000 per person, and the traveling party will be joined by the newspaper’s Washington bureau chief Elisabeth Bumiller, columnist Nicholas Kristoff, and publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. The trip and other Times-sponsored travel packages are a lucrative source of income at a time when news organizations are under increasing financial pressure. But the newspaper’s trips raise a question among journalism ethics experts about ethics and access: Is The Times effectively selling its journalists to private interests? Could, for example, corporate lobbyists or political operatives sign on and seek to influence coverage?
Federal:
Federal Ethics Chief Who Clashed with White House Announces He Will Step Down
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Matea Gold | Published: 7/6/2017
Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director Walter Shaub announced he is resigning. He will leave nearly six months before the end of his term to take a position with the Campaign Legal Center. Shaub repeatedly challenged the Trump administration on ethics issues. His outspokenness drew the ire of administration officials and earned him near-cult status among Trump’s opponents. Shaub said no one in the White House or the administration pushed him to leave, but he felt he had reached the limit of what he could achieve in this administration within the current ethics framework. The OGE’s chief of staff, Shelley Finlayson, is expected to assume the role of acting director, although Trump could appoint another senior OGE official to serve temporarily until he chooses a permanent replacement.
Florida Lobbyist Turning Trump Ties into Mega-Millions
Center for Public Integrity – Rachel Wilson | Published: 7/5/2017
Brian Ballard has long been a major lobbyist in Florida. Now, Ballard – a major Donald Trump fundraiser who also worked on the president’s transition – is out to prove he can translate his state-level lobbying success into policy victories for a slew of new clients in Washington, D.C. And he must ply his trade in the nation’s capital without looking as if he is selling access to a president who has promised to stand up to special interests. In just five months, Ballard Partners’ federal lobbying operation has generated nearly $4 million in current and contracted business from foreign and domestic lobbying clients. That is as much lobbying money as some established firms make in a year.
Justice Dept. Compliance Expert Whose Contract Ended Early Says Trump Conflicts Made Work Feel Hypocritical
Washington Post – Matt Zapotosky | Published: 7/3/2017
As a contractor for the U.S. Justice Department, Hui Chen would ask questions about companies’ inner workings to help determine whether they should be prosecuted for wrongdoing. But working in the Trump administration, Chen began to feel like a hypocrite. How could she ask companies about their conflicts-of-interest when the president was being sued over his? Though her contract was not up until September, Chen left the department in late June, then laid bare her reasons in a post on LinkedIn. The post drew attention because of Chen’s position and how blunt she was on the circumstances of her departure.
From the States and Municipalities:
Florida: Florida’s Departing Fiscal Watchdog Used Public Scrutiny as a Weapon
Bradenton Herald – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 7/5/2017
Jeff Atwater, who resigned recently as Florida’s chief financial officer, knows where every penny of the state’s $83 billion budget goes. He also knows where to find the waste, and he has tried to expose it. expose it. Florida will spend more than $60 billion this year hiring outside contractors to do state work. But, as Atwater found when he took the job in 2011, state agencies often do not hold vendors accountable for the services they agreed to provide. Agencies allow them to charge for things not included in the bids, fail to recover damages when the vendor will not complete a task correctly or on time, and renew contracts when a vendor fails. “You don’t have to go far to track that back to a lobbyist who had a client,” Atwater explained.
Kansas: Kobach: Kansas won’t give Social Security info to Kobach-led voter commission at this time
Kansas City Star – Bryan Lowry | Published: 7/1/2017
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach co-chairs President Trump’s voter fraud commission, which is tasked with finding evidence to support the president’s unsubstantiated claim that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2016 election. Kobach recently sent letters to all 50 states asking them to provide the commission with their entire voter files. The request specifically spelled out sensitive pieces of information the commission wants to obtain. As secretary of state, Kobach is tasked with supplying Kansas’s data to the Trump commission. There is just one problem: he will not be able to fully comply with his own request.
Massachusetts: Lawmakers Asked to Hit Up Lobbyists, Companies to Fund National Confab
Boston Globe – Jim O’Sullivan | Published: 6/29/2017
Massachusetts Senate Majority Leader Harriette Chandler sent an email identifying the special interests, lobbyists, and corporations that can be targeted for a solicitation appeal to help fund this summer’s National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting in Boston. They include companies that have business before the state Legislature: retailers, banks, telecommunications firms, insurers, utilities, and a wide range of health-care providers. Organizers hope to raise roughly $2.2 million for the meeting. The document advertises special access to the week’s events for donors, and perhaps more importantly, a chance to stay on the radar of local decision-makers.
Montana: Legislature Is Rife with Conflicts of Interest – and They’re Legal
Helena Independent Record – Jayme Fraser | Published: 7/2/2017
More than a dozen state leaders said it is not unethical to bring bills that would advantage their professions or properties so long as others received the same gain and the link is openly shared. Most lauded the fact that Montana has a part-time, citizen Legislature where farmers sit on agricultural committees, lawyers craft state criminal laws, teachers tweak education policy, and business owners set industry regulations. Experience makes them experts, they say. But the Center for Public Integrity gives Montana an “F” grade for its conflict disclosure laws, which make it difficult for the public to spot self-serving votes or sanction those who enrich themselves in public office.
New Jersey: Hudson Attorney Files Ethics Complaint Against Christie Over ‘Beachgate’
Newark Star-Ledger – Michaelangelo Conte (Jersey Journal) | Published: 7/6/2017
A complaint was filed against New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, saying he used his position unethically when he and family members basked in the sun at Island Beach State Park while the public was turned away because of a state shutdown. In accordance with the Plain Language Guide to New Jersey’s Executive Branch Ethics Standards, no person of the executive branch may obtain a “special benefit” as a result of their position …,” according to the complaint filed with the State Ethics Commission by attorney Mario Blanch.
New York: A Constitutional Convention for New York? This May Be the Year
New York Times – Lisa Foderaro | Published: 7/5/2017
Every 20 years, New Yorkers have the chance to vote whether they want to hold a constitutional convention to amend, tweak, or otherwise improve the founding document of the state. For the past half-century, voters have demurred. This year, however, academics, good-government groups and others believe the outcome of the ballot question in November may be different. And it has something to do with the current occupant of the White House. “Trump’s election emphasizes how valuable it is for states to chart their own course,” said Peter Galie, a political science professor at Canisius College.
Pennsylvania: Contractor’s Criminal Record Didn’t Discourage Business with Allentown or Reading
Allentown Morning Call – Emily Opilo | Published: 6/30/2017
Mark Neisser, then president of JCA Associates, and two other employees of the engineering firm pleaded guilty in 2004 to tax offenses for failing to report about $100,000 in printing work done for New Jersey Democrats. Along with fines and probation, Neisser was barred from working at JCA. Within a year, however, he resurfaced at T&M Associates, a New Jersey engineering firm that bought out JCA. Neisser’s record apparently did not alarm Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, who accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from T&M’s PAC, and raised no red flag for city officials, which awarded more than $380,000 in contracts to the firm. Neisser pleaded guilty in April to a federal corruption charge for his role in “pay-to-play” schemes in Allentown and Reading.
Texas: City OK’s Park Swings Thanks to Pint Sized Lobbyist
Fort Worth Telegram – Ann Beck | Published: 7/6/2017
When she saw that her local park did not have swings, six-year-old Maggie Fortner took matters into her own hands. She wrote a letter – in pencil and folded a half-dozen times – requesting the addition of a swing set at Donald R. Barg Park. It was mailed by Maggie’s grandmother and made its way to Matt Young, the director of parks and recreation for the city of Mansfield, who not only took notice, but action. The swings were approved and Maggie, now seven, was the guest of honor at the recent ceremony where they were opened to the public. “I’m just really excited for my swing to come, so I can swing on it every day,” Maggie said. “But I’m going to share, even with my sisters. It’s for everyone.”
Texas: Texas Supreme Court Rejects Tea Party Challenge to Campaign Finance Laws
Texas Tribune – Jim Malewitz | Published: 6/30/2017
The Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on direct corporate political donations. The Texas Democratic Party sued the King Street Patriots for violating the ban on corporate contributions by making in-kind donations to Republicans groups or causes. Democrats argued that if the group wanted to contribute to political campaigns, it should abide by disclosure rules. The justices also upheld state requirements that campaigns report contributions and expenditures, and ruled private groups can sue over alleged violations.
Vermont: Dollars Tell Only Part of Story of Pot Legalization Advocacy
VTDigger.org – Elizabeth Hewitt | Published: 7/4/2017
Despite a constant drum of advocacy on both sides of marijuana legalization in Vermont this year, lobbying reports show the sums spent were relatively modest. But the finance disclosures tell just part of the story of advocacy on the issue. The numbers on both sides added up to far less than has been spent on hot button issues in Montpelier in the past. The 2015 push to impose a sales tax on soft drinks drew more than $500,000 in spending by the American Beverage Association alone in the first quarter of the year, for instance. On the issue of marijuana, both sides claim grassroots support drives their agenda.
State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
July 6, 2017 •
Director of US Ethics Office Resigns
Today, Director Walter Shaub Jr. submitted his resignation from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE). Shaub, in his position at the OGE, has repeatedly questioned various possible conflicts of interests of President Trump and of members of the president’s […]
Today, Director Walter Shaub Jr. submitted his resignation from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE). Shaub, in his position at the OGE, has repeatedly questioned various possible conflicts of interests of President Trump and of members of the president’s White House staff.
Shaub will leave his position on July 19 and begin working at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan organization of election-law experts based in Washington, D.C. “At the Campaign Legal Center, I’ll have more freedom to push for reform. I’ll also be broadening my focus to include ethics issues at all levels of government,” Shaub told NPR.
July 6, 2017 •
Oregon House to Consider Lobbying Reform Bill
Senate Bill 43, a bill to modify Oregon’s lobbyist registration and reporting requirements, is set for its third reading in the House on July 6. The bill clarifies certain public officials and persons who provide professional services to entities meeting […]
Senate Bill 43, a bill to modify Oregon’s lobbyist registration and reporting requirements, is set for its third reading in the House on July 6.
The bill clarifies certain public officials and persons who provide professional services to entities meeting specified criteria are not exempt from lobbyist registration and reporting requirements. Senate Bill 43 expands current lobbyist exemptions to additionally include elected public officials, certain representatives supervising an entity’s lobbying activities, and individuals who meet with legislative members in a personal capacity.
The measure expands the information a lobbyist must include on a registration statement. The registration must name each political committee the lobbyist advises or controls, each political committee for a candidate or elected official the lobbyist-controlled political committee made political campaign contributions to, and an acknowledgement the lobbyist has read and understands laws and administrative rules governing lobbyists.
Senate Bill 43 requires lobbyist reporting statements to include identification of each topic and each measure lobbied on and will require statements to be filed monthly during the legislative session. The bill also requires the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to conduct random audits of lobbyist reporting statements. The effective date for changes to lobbyist reporting statements is April 1, 2018.
The bill declares an emergency, meaning most provisions will become effective upon passage. Senate Bill 43 was introduced at the request of Gov. Kate Brown and she is expected to sign the legislation if passed by the July 10 constitutional adjournment date.
July 6, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Florida Lobbyist Turning Trump Ties into Mega-Millions” by Rachel Wilson for Center for Public Integrity Campaign Finance Canada: “Justin Trudeau Lobbied at Recent Fundraising Event, Critics Raise Flags About New Rules” by Amy Minsky for Global News Colorado: “Colorado […]
Lobbying
“Florida Lobbyist Turning Trump Ties into Mega-Millions” by Rachel Wilson for Center for Public Integrity
Campaign Finance
Canada: “Justin Trudeau Lobbied at Recent Fundraising Event, Critics Raise Flags About New Rules” by Amy Minsky for Global News
Colorado: “Colorado Supreme Court: Douglas County School District didn’t violate campaign laws” by Brian Eason for Denver Post
Ethics
“Justice Dept. Compliance Expert Whose Contract Ended Early Says Trump Conflicts Made Work Feel Hypocritical” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
“As Mueller Builds His Russia Special-Counsel Team, Every Hire Is Under Scrutiny” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
“CNN Story About Source of Trump Wrestling Video Draws Backlash” by Daniel Victor for New York Times
Arizona: “Sue or Be Sued: Indicted developer George Johnson has long history in court” by Michael Kiefer for Arizona Republic
Arkansas: “Former Arkansas Judge’s Bribery Conviction, Prison Sentence Upheld” by Debra Hale-Shelton for Arkansas Online
California: “Appeals Court Throws Out Some Criminal Charges for Angela Spaccia, a Top Official in the Bell Corruption Scandal” by Corina Knoll for Los Angeles Times
Elections
Kansas: “Kobach: Kansas won’t give Social Security info to Kobach-led voter commission at this time” by Bryan Lowry for Kansas City Star
Procurement
Florida: “Florida’s Departing Fiscal Watchdog Used Public Scrutiny as a Weapon” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for Bradenton Herald
July 5, 2017 •
Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2017 Would Require Disclosure
In June, Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter introduced a bill to regulate political intelligence activities. House Bill 2819, the Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2017, defines the term ‘political intelligence activities’ to mean political intelligence contacts and efforts in support of such […]
In June, Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter introduced a bill to regulate political intelligence activities.
House Bill 2819, the Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2017, defines the term ‘political intelligence activities’ to mean political intelligence contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation and planning activities, research, and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with such contacts and efforts of others. The bill amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require the disclosure of political intelligence activities, amends title 18, United States Code, to provide for restrictions on former officers, employees, and elected officials of the executive and legislative branches regarding political intelligence contacts, and makes other related changes.
The House Committee on the Judiciary currently has the bill under consideration.
July 5, 2017 •
Baltimore County Council Passes Lobbyist Training Requirement
The Baltimore County Council passed an ethics bill requiring training for certain county government officials and registered lobbyists. The bill requires the Ethics Commission to provide a training course for registered lobbyists at least twice a year. A registered lobbyist […]
The Baltimore County Council passed an ethics bill requiring training for certain county government officials and registered lobbyists.
The bill requires the Ethics Commission to provide a training course for registered lobbyists at least twice a year. A registered lobbyist will be required to complete the initial training course within six months of registration, and once each year thereafter. The bill allows the training to be in-person or online.
According to the County Charter, the bill must be presented to County Exec. Kevin Kamenetz within two days and he has 10 days to approve or disapprove the legislation. If approved by Kamenetz, the bill will become effective on July 17, 2017.
Read the bill here.
July 5, 2017 •
Tip Sheet – Ethics Implications for Expenditures at National Conferences
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!
July 5, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Use of Campaign Money for Lawmakers’ Security Requested by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA Alabama: Civil Penalties Now in Place for Late or Inaccurate Campaign Reports by Mike Cason for AL.com California: California Democrats Out to Reverse Another […]
Campaign Finance
Use of Campaign Money for Lawmakers’ Security Requested by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
Alabama: Civil Penalties Now in Place for Late or Inaccurate Campaign Reports by Mike Cason for AL.com
California: California Democrats Out to Reverse Another Election Rule to Help One of Their Own by Taryn Luna for Sacramento Bee
District of Columbia: “Publicly Financed Campaigns in D.C. Would Reduce Influence of Big Donors, Advocates Testify” by Rachel Chason for Washington Post
Texas: “Texas Supreme Court Rejects Tea Party Challenge to Campaign Finance Laws” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune
Elections
“Trump’s Voter-Fraud Commission Wants to Know Voting History, Party ID and Address of Every Voter in the U.S.” by Christopher Ingraham for Washington Post
“GOP Investigation Sought Connection Between Clinton’s Emails and Russia: Report” by Alicia Cohn and Max Greenwood for The Hill
Ethics
Ethics Issue ‘Nonsense,’ Said Official Who Cleared Trump Hotel by Ben Brody for Bloomberg.com
Connecticut: Bridgeport Struggles to Fill Boards, Commissions by Brian Lockhart for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Lauren’s Kids Funnels $3.1 Million to Politically Connected Public Relations Firm” by Francisco Alverado for Florida Bulldog
Massachusetts: “Lawmakers Asked to Hit Up Lobbyists, Companies to Fund National Confab” by Jim O’Sullivan for Boston Globe
Montana: Legislature Is Rife with Conflicts of Interest – and They’re Legal by Jayme Fraser for Helena Independent Record
Lobbying
Florida: Berger’s History with Lobbyist Doesn’t Bar Her from Voting on Development, Ethics Panel Says by Skyler Swisher for South Florida Sun Sentinel
Maryland: Baltimore County Council Votes Along Party Lines on Ethics, Work Session Bills by Alison Knezevich for Baltimore Sun
Vermont: Dollars Tell Only Part of Story of Pot Legalization Advocacy by Elizabeth Hewitt for VTDigger.org
June 30, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – June 30, 2017
All the state government and ethics news you might have missed in this weeks video digest!
All the state government and ethics news you might have missed in this weeks video digest!
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.