February 3, 2016 •
RI Bill Revamps State’s Lobbying Law
On January 28, legislation was introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly to repeal the state’s current lobbying law and replace it with a new system of lobbyist regulation. The Rhode Island Lobbying Reform Act, H7388, creates one set of […]
On January 28, legislation was introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly to repeal the state’s current lobbying law and replace it with a new system of lobbyist regulation. The Rhode Island Lobbying Reform Act, H7388, creates one set of rules for lobbying both the executive and legislative branches of state government. Additional changes include increases in fines, redefinitions of lobbying, lobbyists, and compensation, and allowing the Secretary of State to have subpoena power to investigate violations.
If passed, the law would take effect on January 1, 2017.
February 3, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying New York: “JCOPE’s Overreaching Rule Violates First Amendment” by Tom Shanahan for Albany Times Union Utah: “Registered Lobbyists Outnumber Utah Lawmakers by More than 4 to 1” by Mariah Noble for Salt Lake Tribune Campaign Finance “Hillary Clinton’s Women […]
Lobbying
New York: “JCOPE’s Overreaching Rule Violates First Amendment” by Tom Shanahan for Albany Times Union
Utah: “Registered Lobbyists Outnumber Utah Lawmakers by More than 4 to 1” by Mariah Noble for Salt Lake Tribune
Campaign Finance
“Hillary Clinton’s Women Donors Could Change Politics Forever” by Li Zhou for The Atlantic
Arizona: “Arizona Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Kill Clean Elections” by Ryan Van Velzer (Associated Press) for Washington Times
District of Columbia: “D.C. Audit Reopens Questions about Vincent Gray’s 2010 Election Campaign” by Aaron Davis for Washington Post
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Former Reading Official Gets 2 Years in Bribery Case” by Jeremy Roebuck for Philadelphia Inquirer
Elections
“Martin O’Malley to Drop Out After Finish in Iowa Vote” by Ashley Parker for New York Times
“Cruz Edges Trump in Iowa Caucuses; Rubio Finishes Strong Third” by Philip Rucker and Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
“Iowa Count: Clinton nudges past Sanders in photo-finish race” by Anne Gearan and John Wagner for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Kansas: “Kansas Sen. Mitch Holmes Apologizes for Women’s Dress Code” by Dani Stewart for CNN
North Carolina: “NC Lawmakers’ Government Staffers Double as Campaign Workers” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer
February 2, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “Kool & the Gang Won’t Celebrate Republican National Convention” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity Pennsylvania: “Lehigh Valley Zoological Society Faces $3,400 Fine over Late Lobbying Report” by Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call Campaign Finance “Bernie […]
Lobbying
“Kool & the Gang Won’t Celebrate Republican National Convention” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity
Pennsylvania: “Lehigh Valley Zoological Society Faces $3,400 Fine over Late Lobbying Report” by Tom Shortell for Allentown Morning Call
Campaign Finance
“Bernie Sanders Tops His Rivals in Use of Outside Money” by Nicholas Confessore for New York Times
Arizona: “Utility Regulator Robert Burns Launches Investigation of APS Political Spending” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic
Texas: “Ethics Commission Fails to Approve Out-of-State Donations to Help Ken Paxton Pay His Legal Costs” by Bobby Blanchard for Dallas Morning News
Washington: “Union Settles Over Campaign Finance Omissions” by Jordan Schrader (Tacoma News Tribune) for The Olympian
Ethics
“How Bob McDonnell’s Case Might Help Others Accused of Public Corruption” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
“U.S. Navy Commander Pleads Guilty in Corruption Scandal” by Marty Graham for Reuters
Tennessee: “Tennessean Investigation Finds Inappropriate Text Messages” by Dave Boucher and Jill Cowan for The Tennessean
Virginia: “Alexandria Council Agrees to Study Ethics Its Own Way” by Patricia Sullivan for Washington Post
Elections
“Cruz Edges Trump in Iowa Caucuses; Rubio Finishes Strong Third” by Philip Rucker and Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
“Little Separates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton in Tight Race in Iowa” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
February 1, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times Campaign Finance “Dark Money Dominates Political Ad Spending” by William Allison for Bloomberg Politics Pennsylvania: “Allentown Parking Authority Subpoenaed in FBI Probe” by […]
Lobbying
“N.R.A. Victories in Congress Grow with Chief Lobbyist’s Role” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“Dark Money Dominates Political Ad Spending” by William Allison for Bloomberg Politics
Pennsylvania: “Allentown Parking Authority Subpoenaed in FBI Probe” by Emily Opilo for Allentown Morning Call
Ethics
“State Integrity Investigation Spurs Proposals for Reform” by Nicholas Kusnetz for Center for Public Integrity
New Mexico: “Report: Perceptions of cronyism hurt state’s bottom line” by Bruce Krasnow (Santa Fe New Mexico) for New Mexico In Depth
Rhode Island: “Vincent ‘Buddy’ Cianci, 1941-2016” by Tom Mooney for Providence Journal
Vermont: “Sorrell Sees Issues with Scope, Details of State Ethics Board” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org
Virginia: “Alexandria Mayor Pushes for Expanded Ethics Rules for Officials” by Patricia Sullivan for Washington Post
Elections
“Clinton Foundation on Collision Course with Campaign” by Kenneth Vogel for Politico
“Ben Carson’s Campaign Beset with Frustration, Disappointment and Grief” by Alan Rappeport for New York Times
January 29, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 29, 2016
National: Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption USA Today – Oren Dorell | Published: 1/26/2016 Transparency International published its annual survey measuring how much corruption is perceived to exist in the public sector. The 2015 results are in many ways predictable. […]
National:
Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption
USA Today – Oren Dorell | Published: 1/26/2016
Transparency International published its annual survey measuring how much corruption is perceived to exist in the public sector. The 2015 results are in many ways predictable. Denmark came out on top for the second year running, and the other Nordic countries also did well. Somalia and North Korea were tied for last place, and war-torn states, such as Afghanistan and Sudan fared dismally. The best performing countries share a wide array of characteristics. They are open, liberal democracies with a free press. They embrace the notion of transparency, have independent judiciaries, and all support long-held assumptions about increased accountability leading to lower levels of corruption.
Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 1/27/2016
The leaders of three of the nation’s leading trade associations sent a letter to their members urging them to resist demands to disclose more details about their political spending. The leaders reserved particular criticism for the Center for Political Accountability and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics, which published an index ranking large companies on their political disclosure practices and policies. Such politically active nonprofit groups sometimes directly advocate for and against political candidates and may spend into the millions of dollars to do so.
Wounded Warrior Project Spends Lavishly on Itself, Insiders Say
New York Times – Dave Philipps | Published: 1/27/2016
The Wounded Warriors Project, the country’s largest and fastest-growing veterans charity, offers programs to help veterans readjust to society, attend school, find work, and participate in athletics. But in its swift rise, it has also embraced aggressive styles of fundraising, marketing, and personnel management that have many current and former employees questioning whether it has drifted from its mission. It has spent millions of dollars a year on travel, dinners, hotels, and conferences that often seemed more lavish than appropriate, more than four dozen current and former employees said in interviews. The organization has also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years on public relations and lobbying campaigns to deflect criticism of its spending and to fight legislative efforts to restrict how much nonprofits spend on overhead.
Federal:
Companies Worry Trump-Led Convention Could Hurt Brands
Politico – Anna Palmer | Published: 1/28/2016
Companies are starting to question whether associating with a Donald Trump-led Republican National Convention in Cleveland this summer could hurt their reputations. Company representatives and association heads have already begun meeting with their consultants about whether they should rethink their convention plans if Trump wins the GOP nomination. Several Republican lobbyists and consultants said there is concern that associating with Trump, given some of his inflammatory comments about women and minorities, could turn off customers and damage corporate brands.
Court Rejects Push for Stricter Disclosure on Super PAC Ads
Politico – Josh Gerstein | Published: 1/21/2016
A federal appeals court dealt a setback to campaign finance reform advocates in a ruling about who pays for political ads. The ruling upheld an FEC regulation that narrows disclosure requirements for corporations and labor groups paying for ads that run close to Election Day. The regulation says groups running the ads only have to reveal donors who contribute for the express purpose of paying for the ads. That means donors who choose not to say how they want their money used can remain anonymous. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed a lower court decision that threw out the regulation last year. Judge Janice Rogers Brown said just because one of the purposes of campaign reform laws was broader disclosure “doesn’t mean that anything less than maximal disclosure is subversive,” the judge said.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Battle for Party’s Future
New York Times – Patrick Healy | Published: 1/24/2016
The race between Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination has intensified into a battle over their vastly different visions for the party. Sanders, a New Deal-style liberal, argues that only muscular government action – Wall Street regulations, public works jobs, Medicare for all – will topple America’s “rigged” economy. Clinton, a mainstream Democrat, has started contrasting herself with Sanders by championing a “sensible, achievable agenda” and promising to build on President Obama’s legacy in health care, the economy, and national security. Many Democrats are torn about whether Sanders’ liberalism, or Clinton’s pragmatism, will be enough to win a general election.
From the States and Municipalities:
Colorado – Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement
ABC News – Dan Elliot (Associated Press) | Published: 1/26/2016
Colorado’s system of enforcing campaign finance rules is under fire from all sides. In many states, a campaign practices panel decides whether to prosecute spending violations. But Colorado’s constitution requires every complaint to be referred to an administrative law judge who can convene a trial-like process. Some critics say it allows anybody with a grudge to drag someone else into a costly legal battle. Others say the state is neglecting its duty to enforce the laws and instead leaving it up to members of the public. A lawsuit was filed in federal court challenging the system as unconstitutional. The lawsuit says the system suppresses free speech by discouraging people from speaking out.
Florida – Ethics Commission Opines on Romance
Tallahassee Democrat – Jeff Burlew | Published: 1/22/2016
Leon County School Board member Alva Striplin asked the Florida Commission on Ethics for an advisory opinion involving her relationship with George Smith, whose firm, Bryant Miller Olive, has provided bond counsel to the district for many years. Specifically, Striplin asked whether she would run afoul of the gift law if she and Smith traveled together and split expenses or exchanged Christmas and birthday gifts. Florida’s gift law bars public officials from soliciting any gift from a vendor or lobbyist doing business with the official’s agency. Commission staff said Striplin may not solicit any gift from Smith or his firm and cannot accept any gift from him or his firm over $100. The couple can, however, equally split the cost of travel, meals, lodging, or entertainment. Commissioners voted unanimously to affirm the staff opinion.
Florida – Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists
Florida Times Union – Tia Mitchell | Published: 1/23/2016
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians paid for a trip to the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore, Alabama for five Florida lawmakers. They met with tribal leaders to discuss the tribe’s vision for a casino in rural North Florida. Beyond the debate over gambling, the trip to Alabama is an example of the legal but criticized practice of lawmakers classifying as campaign-related expenses things of value they receive from special-interest groups. They are prohibited by the state gift ban from accepting trips and gifts from lobbyists. The ability to classify trips and meals as in-kind campaign expenses is largely considered a work-around to the 2006 ethics law.
Illinois – Jury Convicts Ex-Chicago Official in Red-Light Camera Case
ABC News; Associated Press – | Published: 1/26/2016
John Bills, the former second-in-command at Chicago’s Department of Transportation, was convicted on 20 counts of corruption for taking up to $2 million in bribes to steer $100 million in red-light camera contracts to Redflex Traffic Systems. Prosecutors detailed cash, hotels stays, golf trips, an Arizona condominium, and a Mercedes given to Bills for his efforts. Mayor Rahm Emanuel canceled Redflex’s contract in 2013 following reports of the alleged bribery scheme. Bills retired from his job as the city’s managing deputy commissioner of transportation in 2011, and he was charged in 2014.
Kansas – Senate Chairman’s Rules Block Female Witnesses in Revealing Attire
Topeka Capital-Journal – Tim Carpenter | Published: 1/21/2016
Kansas Sen. Mitch Holmes imposed a dress code for those testifying before his committee that prohibits women from wearing certain clothing while establishing no wardrobe restrictions exclusively for men. A rule of Holmes’ 11-point code of conduct says “low-cut necklines and miniskirts” are inappropriate for women. Holmes said he offered detailed guidance to women because he had observed provocatively clad women at the Capitol. He says it is a distraction to the panel during testimony. Holmes is and chairperson of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.
Maryland – In Md., Officials Are Notified When Someone Checks Their Financial Filings
Washington Post – Fenit Nirappil | Published: 1/23/2016
Public officials in Maryland must file reports spelling out their sources of income, property holdings, and business relationships. State law makes these reports available to the public as a safeguard against government officials abusing their power in an effort to enrich themselves. But unlike dozens of other states, Maryland agencies email officials every time a person looks at their disclosure forms. The notifications include the name and home address of the person conducting the search. Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings conceded that people may be nervous to look at ethics filings because their names will be reported to public officials. But he defended the system. “It’s a courtesy,” Jennings said. “Everyone wants to know every time someone is doing an investigation into them.”
New York – Albany Ethics Commission Adopts New Fund-Raising and Disclosure Rules
New York Times – Jesse McKinley | Published: 1/26/2016
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) approved an advisory opinion that expands the definition of lobbying to include public relations consultants. At issue is the rise in public relations campaigns, often called grassroots lobbying, which seek to influence policymaking. These activities are not regulated by traditional lobbying laws because they do not include the direct interaction of a lobbyist with a government official. A consultant setting up or attending a lobbying meeting with a public official, even if they do not directly lobby themselves, is lobbying under the opinion, for example. JCOPE also approved an opinion that says no statewide elected official, including the comptroller or the attorney general, would be allowed to accept or solicit campaign contributions from any person or group that is under investigation or embroiled in a legal battle with its offices.
North Carolina – Trial to Start in Lawsuit over North Carolina’s Voter-ID Law
Washington Post – Sari Horwitz | Published: 1/24/2016
North Carolina’s photo-ID rules, part of one of the strictest voting laws in the country, will go on trial in the first battle over the ballot this presidential year. The ID requirements, set to be used in the March presidential primary, were included in a bill passed by North Carolina’s Legislature that also reduced the number of days of early voting, prohibited people from registering and voting on the same day, stopped ballots cast in the wrong precinct from being counted, and ended the practice of preregistering teenagers before they turned 18. Republican lawmakers say they imposed the new restrictions to combat voter fraud and to preserve the integrity of the voting system. The Rev. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, which sued the state, called the law an “immoral and unconstitutional burden on voters.”
Virginia – Luxury Box Gifts Still Kosher for Virginia Public Officials
Connecticut Post – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/21/2016
A top official of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s administration accepted an invitation from the Washington Redskins to watch a playoff game from one of the team’s luxury boxes, the kind of gift that lawmakers said should not be allowed under a new ethics law the General Assembly passed last year. Staff from a newly empowered ethics council gave approval for members of McAuliffe’s administration to accept an invitation from the team to watch the game. The team has been in active negotiations with state officials over possibly moving out of its current stadium in Maryland and building a new one in Virginia.
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.
January 28, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying Missouri: “Lobbying Gift Ban Approved in House” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch Campaign Finance “Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Colorado: “Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement” […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Lobbying Gift Ban Approved in House” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Campaign Finance
“Trade Groups to Top Corporations: Resist political disclosure” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Colorado: “Critics: Colorado ‘outsourced’ campaign finance enforcement” by Dan Elliot (Associated Press) for ABC News
Michigan: “Group Sues over New Limits on Promoting Ballot Issues” by Lori Higgins for Detroit Free Press
Ethics
“Report Links Violence, Tyranny and Corruption” by Oren Dorell for USA Today
Ohio: “Convention Center Manager Fired After Ties to Vendor Are Discovered” by Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch
Oregon: “Legislature to Adopt Transparency Rules” by Gordon Friedman for Salem Statesman-Journal
Elections
“What Voters Want” by Emma Roller for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmaker Accuses Colleague of Starting Fight Outside Bar” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
January 27, 2016 •
New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics Releases New Advisory Opinion
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics has released an Advisory Opinion regarding what constitutes lobbying activity when it comes to political consultants and grassroots communications. Advisory Opinion 16-01 requires public relations consultants to register their efforts to influence government through […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics has released an Advisory Opinion regarding what constitutes lobbying activity when it comes to political consultants and grassroots communications. Advisory Opinion 16-01 requires public relations consultants to register their efforts to influence government through public campaigns, which includes any contact with editorial boards aimed at publishing communications involving a political issue.
The Advisory Opinion is meant to encompass grassroots communications, an action the public relations community is calling an unconstitutional restraint on free speech. With the Opinion taking effect, grassroots communication is considered lobbying if it references, suggests, or otherwise implicates activity covered by the Lobbying act; takes a clear position on the issue in question; or is an attempt to influence a public official through a call to action. If a consultant had control over the delivery of the message and had input into its content, registration and reporting will now be required.
January 27, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Alaska: “Panel Says Lunch and Learn Events Could Raise Ethical” by Rashah McChesney (Associated Press) for Connecticut Post Florida: “Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists” by Tia Mitchell for Florida Times Union New […]
Lobbying
Alaska: “Panel Says Lunch and Learn Events Could Raise Ethical” by Rashah McChesney (Associated Press) for Connecticut Post
Florida: “Florida Legislators’ Visit to Alabama Casino Is Legal, but Perception Problem Persists” by Tia Mitchell for Florida Times Union
New York: “NY Attorney General Links Lobbying Data on Public Website” by The Associated Press for Albany Times Union
New York: “JCOPE: Consultant contact with editorial boards must be disclosed” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
Ohio: “Cleveland City Council President Proposes Increased Caps for Campaign Contributions” by Leila Atassi for Cleveland Plain Dealer
Ethics
Illinois: “Jury Convicts Ex-Chicago Official in Red-Light Camera Case” by The Associated Press for ABC News
Missouri: “Lobbyist Gift Ban Advances in Capitol” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
New York: “2 Offices Won’t Investigate New York Constitutional Amendment on Adirondack Mining” by Susanne Craig for New York Times
Elections
“Ben & Jerry’s Founder Unveils New ‘Bernie’s Yearning’ Ice Cream Flavor” by Nick Gass and Kenneth Vogel for Politico
Legislative Issues
Washington: “Sen. Pam Roach Booted Off Sex-Trafficking Panel for ‘Victim-Blaming,’ Other Insults” by Jim Brunner for Seattle Times
January 26, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Florida: “Ethics Commission Opines on Romance” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat Campaign Finance California: “3 Former Fundraisers for Mayor Ed Lee Charged With Bribery, Money Laundering” by John Shutt and Rebecca Bowe for KQED California: “Federal Investigators Focus […]
Lobbying
Florida: “Ethics Commission Opines on Romance” by Jeff Burlew for Tallahassee Democrat
Campaign Finance
California: “3 Former Fundraisers for Mayor Ed Lee Charged With Bribery, Money Laundering” by John Shutt and Rebecca Bowe for KQED
California: “Federal Investigators Focus on Small Campaign Donations to L.A. Councilwoman Nury Martinez” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
New Jersey: “Firm Withdraws Contract with Jersey City amid Pay-to-Play Allegations” by Terence McDonald (Jersey Journal) for Newark Star-Ledger
New York: “Schneiderman: JCOPE rule would unfairly target AG, comptroller” by Colby Hamilton for Capital New York
Vermont: “Investigator Clears Sorrell of Campaign Finance Allegations” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org
Ethics
Maryland: “In Md., Officials Are Notified When Someone Checks Their Financial Filings” by Fenit Nirappil for Washington Post
Virginia: “Luxury Box Gifts Still Kosher for Virginia Public Officials” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for Connecticut Post
Elections
“Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Battle for Party’s Future” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
North Carolina: “Trial to Start in Lawsuit over North Carolina’s Voter-ID Law” by Sari Horwitz for Washington Post
January 25, 2016 •
New Public Transparency Website Launched in New York
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced the release of a new website which will contain information regarding lobbyist disclosures, and will match them up with specific pieces of proposed and passed legislation. The website, designed to promote the public’s […]
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced the release of a new website which will contain information regarding lobbyist disclosures, and will match them up with specific pieces of proposed and passed legislation. The website, designed to promote the public’s right to know about decision making within the state government, will also link with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics lobbyist filings.
Data included on the website will relate to campaign financing, lobbying, charities, state contracts, legislator grants, corporate registrations, and elected officials. The website is available at http://www.NYOpenGovernment.com.
January 25, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Lobby Firms Reap Benefits of an Active Congress” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Campaign Finance “Court Rejects Push for Stricter Disclosure on Super PAC Ads” by Josh Gerstein for Politico “Corruption’s Not the Problem, It’s Inequality” by Richard […]
Lobbying
“Lobby Firms Reap Benefits of an Active Congress” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“Court Rejects Push for Stricter Disclosure on Super PAC Ads” by Josh Gerstein for Politico
“Corruption’s Not the Problem, It’s Inequality” by Richard Hasen for BillMoyers.com
Massachusetts: “Sen. Joyce to Pay Nearly $5,000 to Resolve Campaign Finance Issues” by Andrea Estes for Boston Globe
Ethics
Pennsylvania: “Allentown Council Unanimous in No Confidence Vote on Mayor Ed Pawlowski” by Emily Opilo for Allentown Morning Call
Elections
“Donald Trump or Ted Cruz? Republicans Argue Over Who Is Greater Threat” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Kansas: “Senate Chairman’s Rules Block Female Witnesses in Revealing Attire” by Tim Carpenter for Topeka Capital-Journal
Mississippi: “Republicans Gain Edge with Vote to Unseat Mississippi Democrat” by Richard Fausset and Alan Blinder for New York Times
January 22, 2016 •
News You Can Use Digest – January 22, 2016
Federal: Case Could Widen Free-Speech Gap between Unions and Corporations New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 1/18/2016 Oral arguments in a major challenge to public unions illuminated a gap in the U.S. Supreme Court’s treatment of capital and labor. […]
Federal:
Case Could Widen Free-Speech Gap between Unions and Corporations
New York Times – Adam Liptak | Published: 1/18/2016
Oral arguments in a major challenge to public unions illuminated a gap in the U.S. Supreme Court’s treatment of capital and labor. The court has long allowed workers to refuse to finance unions’ political activities, but shareholders have no comparable right to refuse to pay for corporate political speech. At the arguments in the case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, the justices seemed poised to widen that gap by allowing government workers to refuse to support unions’ collective bargaining activities, as well. The case should prompt a new look at whether the differing treatment of unions and corporations is justified, said Benjamin Sachs, a law professor at Harvard.
High Court Rejects Challenge over Contractor Contributions
Philadelphia Inquirer; Associated Press – | Published: 1/19/2016
The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear a challenge to a law that bans government contractors from donating money to federal candidates or political parties. The justices let stand a lower court ruling that said the ban is a reasonable way of addressing the government’s interest in preventing political corruption.
President Obama May Require Federal Contractors to List Campaign Gifts
New York Times – Julie Hirschfeld Davis | Published: 1/19/2016
President Obama is weighing whether to invoke his executive authority to force federal contractors to disclose political contributions they make to independent groups. The proposed executive order would require corporations that currently have federal contracts to disclose what they spend on political efforts, including money forwarded through trade associations. Obama has been considering the action for more than a year, but discussions have intensified in recent weeks as he moves to deliver on unfulfilled promises in his final year in office. Business groups that have opposed campaign finance restrictions argue the executive order would encroach on free speech rights.
From the States and Municipalities:
California – FPPC Cracks Down on Reporting for California Lobbyists
Sacramento Bee – Taryn Luna | Published: 1/21/2016
The California Fair Political Practices Commission voted to require interest groups and lobbyists to break out and itemize expenses in the “other payments to influence category” in quarterly filings to the state. The current rules allow groups to report the category, which includes payments as routine as money for office supplies to more influential spending on advertising campaigns, as a lump sum. “Lobbying is largely a self-regulated industry and in order to make sure people are playing by the rules, we need this type of information that shines a light on what’s going on,” said commission Chairperson Jodi Remke.
Florida – Hillsborough Commissioners OK Measure to Require Lobbyists’ Fees
Tampa Tribune – Mike Salinero | Published: 1/21/2016
Hillsborough County commissioners passed an ordinance that requires lobbyists to register and pay a $50 yearly fee. Under the new law, everyone who comes to meet with commissioners must fill out a form saying who they represent, what they want to discuss, and which commissioners they are visiting. The commission also increased penalties for non-compliance that were in a draft ordinance. For a first violation, the lobbyist is given a warning, followed by a $250 fine for a second violation.
Florida – Special Interests Flood Florida Legislative Campaigns with $28 Million in 6 Months
Miami Herald – Mary Ellen Klas | Published: 1/17/2016
At least $28.5 million has been funneled into legislative political committees in Florida during the past six months. The influx of cash is the result of a shift in state campaign finance laws that allowed for unfettered donations to such committees in the wake of the Citizens United ruling. Stronger disclosure laws opened the door to more frequent reporting, but there is no requirement for donors to disclose what issues or bills they are attempting to impact. Many of the wealthy special interests are getting preferential treatment as their priority bills have been moving early in the session. Many ideas that are opposed by influential special interests are getting blocked. Industry fights are emerging over medical marijuana, gambling, solar power, hospital regulation, and dental care, among others.
Michigan – As Water Problems Grew, Officials Belittled Complaints from Flint
New York Times – Julie Bosman, Monica Davey, and Mitch Smith | Published: 1/20/2016
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder released more than 270 pages of emails surrounding the toxic water crisis in Flint. One email reveals Snyder’s chief of staff believed Flint’s poisoned water was not the state’s responsibility. That aide also mentioned state health officials who worried the issue could turn into a “political football.” It was not until late in 2015 – after months of complaints – that state officials finally conceded what critics had been contending: Flint was in the midst of a major public health emergency as tap water pouring into families’ homes contained enough lead to show up in the blood of dozens of people in the city. Even small amounts of lead could cause lasting health and developmental problems in children.
Nebraska – Ernie Chambers Resolution Takes Aim at Free Meals Provided by Lobbyists
Omaha World-Herald – Joe Duggan | Published: 1/19/2016
State law caps the gifts that senators or their immediate family members may accept from lobbyists at $50 per month. But the law places no limits on free meals or beverages, said Frank Daley, executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Many lobbyists, groups, and associations host breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the session. Defenders say the meals are convenient, sociable ways for lawmakers to get to know the issues and each other. But a resolution drafted by Sen. Ernie Chambers would seek to end lobbyist-provided meals inside the Capitol while the Legislature is in session.
New Mexico – New Mexico Lobbyist Spending Tops $818,000 in 2015
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 1/18/2016
Lobbyists and their employers spent about $818,000 on meals, receptions, and gifts for New Mexico lawmakers and other officials in 2015. Individual lobbyists – 148 of them – spent more $474,000, while 23 businesses spent more than $344,000, reports show. While the secretary of state’s office recently issued guidelines suggesting lobbyists report their expenses in greater detail, not all lobbyists did. Some 19 lobbyists listed aggregate expenses of more than $1,000 after April 2015, failing to specify lawmakers they hosted or dates they spent the money.
New Mexico – Scandals Raise Profile of an Unpopular Idea among Lawmakers: An ethics commission
New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 1/18/2016
A proposal to create an independent ethics commission in New Mexico focused on the executive and legislative branches first gained prominence in 2006, almost a year after then-state Treasurer Robert Vigil resigned to avoid facing possible impeachment. A task force recommended its creation. Subsequent ethics committee legislation passed the House four times, but has withered in the state Senate. Several questions need to be resolved before an independent ethics commission gets traction at the Legislature, including the need for sufficient funding; the question of jurisdictional oversight; the makeup and size, along with who appoints the positions; and satisfactory due process provisions to guard against “politically motivated witch hunts,” said Sen. Peter Wirth.
New York – In Albany, Those Who Might Address Ethics Meet Rarely and Offer Less
New York Times – Vivian Yee | Published: 1/19/2016
Like other committees in the New York Legislature, the ethics panels have chairpersons and several members each. Unlike the others, they have not considered a single bill on the subject of ethics – or anything else – that anyone can remember. For reformers, the committees’ paralysis is yet another symptom of a willful ignorance that allows the Capitol to make much of minor improvements while circumventing real change. “It is a body bent on self-protection,” said Common Cause New York Executive Director Susan Lerner, referring to the Legislature.
Ohio – State Street Settles Pay-to-Play Charges for $12 Million
New York Times – Liz Moyer | Published: 1/14/2016
State Street Corp. agreed to pay $12 million to settle charges that a senior vice president and a company lobbyist offered an Ohio deputy treasurer payoffs in order to win contracts servicing state pension funds. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) found former State Street Vice President Vincent DeBaggis entered into an agreement with Amer Ahmad, then Ohio deputy treasurer, to make illegal cash payments and political contributions. In exchange, Ahmad helped the Boston-based bank obtain three lucrative contracts. Ahmad pleaded guilty before fleeing to Pakistan. He was eventually returned to the U.S. to serve a 15-year sentence. The SEC alleged Robert Crowe, a lawyer hired as a fundraiser and lobbyist by State Street, also took part in the kickback scheme.
South Carolina – Bill Would Require South Carolina Journalists to Register
Denver Post – Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) | Published: 1/19/2016
South Carolina Rep. Mike Pitts said it is time to register journalists in the state. His bill would create requirements for people wanting to work as a journalist for a media outlet, and also before that outlet could hire anyone for a reporting position. The secretary of state’s office would be tasked with keeping a “responsible journalism registry” and creating the criteria, with the help of a panel, on what qualifies a person as a journalist–similar to doctors and lawyers, Pitts said. He said the bill is not a reaction to any particular news story but was intended to stimulate discussion over how he sees gun issues being reported.
Virginia – Lawmakers Go on Fundraising Frenzy before Session
Deseret News – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/19/2016
Like they do every year, Virginia legislators kept busy raising money from the businesses and trade associations that try to influence the laws they pass, donations that will not be made public until long after the 2016 session is over. State law forbids lawmakers from fundraising during the session, a restriction that leads to a flurry of receptions and fundraisers in the run up to it. This year there were nearly 50 fundraisers scheduled for the first two weeks in January, including 20 on the two days before the session started. Only large donations to certain campaign committees have to be reported shortly after they are given. Most campaign finance reports will not be due until this summer, meaning large sums of cash raised in the lead up to session will not be made public for months.
Washington – State Lawmaker in Olympia Asks Visiting Teens If They’re Virgins
Seattle Times – James O’Sullivan | Published: 1/18/2016
Washington Rep. Mary Dye startled a group of teen visitors by asking which ones were virgins and even suggesting one was not. The high school students had met with Dye to advocate for expanded insurance coverage for birth control as part of Planned Parenthood’s Teen Lobbying Day when she asked the intrusive question. “After she made the statement about virginity, all of my teens looked at me,” Rachel Todd, a Planned Parenthood worker accompanying the kids. “And I said, ‘You don’t have to answer that.'” Dye later said she was trying to talk about empowerment and good choices.
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.
January 21, 2016 •
Hillsborough Co., Florida Commissioners Approve More Comprehensive Lobbyist Registration Requirements
County commissioners, by a unanimous vote, approved an ordinance requiring lobbyists to register and pay a yearly $50 fee. Under the previous law, lobbyists simply had to sign a registry each time they appeared to lobby. The new law requires […]
County commissioners, by a unanimous vote, approved an ordinance requiring lobbyists to register and pay a yearly $50 fee. Under the previous law, lobbyists simply had to sign a registry each time they appeared to lobby.
The new law requires the lobbyist to declare who they represent, what topics they will be discussing, and with whom they are meeting. The ordinance also increases the fines for violations and increases the time lobbying privileges are suspended for repeat offenders. The definition of lobbying is also expanded to include indirect communication through emails or text messages.
The county will hold training for lobbyists in August covering the changes.
January 21, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Big Names Free to Lobby in 2016” by Megan Wilson for The Hill Nebraska: “Ernie Chambers Resolution Takes Aim at Free Meals Provided by Lobbyists” by Joe Duggan for Omaha World-Herald New Mexico: “New Mexico Lobbyist Spending Tops $818,000 […]
Lobbying
“Big Names Free to Lobby in 2016” by Megan Wilson for The Hill
Nebraska: “Ernie Chambers Resolution Takes Aim at Free Meals Provided by Lobbyists” by Joe Duggan for Omaha World-Herald
New Mexico: “New Mexico Lobbyist Spending Tops $818,000 in 2015” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth
New York: “Friend Gave to de Blasio Just as Client Won Permit to Stage Festival” by Michael Grynbaum for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“President Obama May Require Federal Contractors to List Campaign Gifts” by Julie Hirschfeld Davis for New York Times
“High Court Rejects Challenge over Contractor Contributions” by The Associated Press for Philadelphia Inquirer
Ethics
South Carolina: “Bill Would Require South Carolina Journalists to Register” by Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) for Denver Post
Elections
“’90s Scandals Threaten to Erode Hillary Clinton’s Strength with Women” by Amy Chozick for New York Times
“Sarah Palin Endorses Donald Trump, Which Could Bolster Him in Iowa” by Alan Rappeport and Maggie Haberman for New York Times
Legislative Issues
West Virginia: “Court Offers Little Clarity in Arguments on Hall’s Senate Seat” by David Gutman for Charleston Gazette
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