February 20, 2017 •
Missouri Lawmakers Want Future Governors to Disclose Details of Inaugural Contributions
Missouri House Democrats have introduced a bill to require future governors to publicly disclose donations for gubernatorial inauguration activities. Lawmakers hope to eliminate the appearance of corruption by allowing Missourians to see how much money corporations and lobbyists donate to […]
Missouri House Democrats have introduced a bill to require future governors to publicly disclose donations for gubernatorial inauguration activities.
Lawmakers hope to eliminate the appearance of corruption by allowing Missourians to see how much money corporations and lobbyists donate to fund inaugural events.
Recently, Gov. Eric Greitens issued a list of benefactors who contributed to his inaugural celebration but refused to confirm how much was contributed by each donor and how much money was actually spent.
He formed a nonprofit to raise money for the inauguration and the contributions, therefore, were not subject to state campaign finance laws.
February 15, 2017 •
Missouri Ethics Commission Issues Advisory Opinions Regarding Constitutional Amendment 2
The Missouri Ethics Commission recently released a series of advisory opinions related to Constitutional Amendment 2. The amendment, passed by the voters in the November election, amended state campaign finance laws. The new advisory opinions address issues not fully articulated […]
The Missouri Ethics Commission recently released a series of advisory opinions related to Constitutional Amendment 2. The amendment, passed by the voters in the November election, amended state campaign finance laws.
The new advisory opinions address issues not fully articulated in the constitutional amendment. Opinions confirm: contribution limits do not apply to local candidates; the definitions of continuing and political action committees are substantially the same and are interpreted to be the same; and contribution limits only apply to continuing or political action committees if a contribution to the committee is designated for a specific candidate.
Another opinion finds a limited liability company to be a corporation for the purpose of the corporate contribution ban if the LLC is an eligible entity electing to be classified as a corporation under the federal tax code.
Other opinions relate to the eligibility of foreign corporations contributing to Missouri PACs, the application of the $25,000 per election aggregate limit to be received by a political party, and the applicability of contribution limits to state legislative campaign committees.
January 27, 2017 •
Missouri Special Elections Scheduled
Special elections have been scheduled for Missouri House District 50 and Senate District 28. Both elections are scheduled for August 8, 2017. The House seat was left vacant when Rep. Caleb Jones stepped down to take a position in Gov. […]
Special elections have been scheduled for Missouri House District 50 and Senate District 28.
Both elections are scheduled for August 8, 2017. The House seat was left vacant when Rep. Caleb Jones stepped down to take a position in Gov. Eric Greitens’ administration.
Senator Mike Parson vacated his Senate seat on January 9 after becoming lieutenant governor.
January 24, 2017 •
Missouri Special Election Schedule
On January 20, Gov. Jay Nixon announced the special election in House District 50 has been scheduled for August 8, 2017. House District 50 includes sections of Boone Cole County and parts of Moniteau County. A special election has yet […]
On January 20, Gov. Jay Nixon announced the special election in House District 50 has been scheduled for August 8, 2017.
House District 50 includes sections of Boone Cole County and parts of Moniteau County.
A special election has yet to be scheduled for the Senate District 28 seat, which was recently vacated by Lt. Gov. Mike Parson.
January 18, 2017 •
Ethics Bill Passes Missouri House
Ethics reform legislation passed the Missouri House Tuesday afternoon with wide bipartisan support. House Bill 60 would prohibit lobbyists and lobbyist principals from making expenditures for state public officials or for their staff, spouses, or dependent children. An exception would […]
Ethics reform legislation passed the Missouri House Tuesday afternoon with wide bipartisan support.
House Bill 60 would prohibit lobbyists and lobbyist principals from making expenditures for state public officials or for their staff, spouses, or dependent children.
An exception would remain for event expenditures if all members of the Legislature or all statewide officials are invited in writing. For clarity, the bill would subsequently remove any unnecessary lobbyist reporting requirements.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
January 11, 2017 •
Missouri Ethics Bill Moves Through House
A Missouri ethics bill, being fast-tracked through the House, cleared committee yesterday with just three dissenting votes. The bill would prohibit legislators from receiving certain gifts from lobbyists. Exemptions to the proposed ban would include honorary plaques, flowers and gifts […]
A Missouri ethics bill, being fast-tracked through the House, cleared committee yesterday with just three dissenting votes.
The bill would prohibit legislators from receiving certain gifts from lobbyists. Exemptions to the proposed ban would include honorary plaques, flowers and gifts customarily received by someone before they became a legislator.
The bill is just one of a handful of ethics bills on the legislative agenda. The measure could hit the House floor as early as Thursday.
January 11, 2017 •
Missouri Attorney General Issues New Ethics Policy
Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley implemented a new ethics policy on Tuesday, January 10. His employees are now prohibited from accepting gifts from lobbyists. The policy also prohibits staff from discussing business of the attorney general’s office with anyone attempting […]
Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley implemented a new ethics policy on Tuesday, January 10. His employees are now prohibited from accepting gifts from lobbyists.
The policy also prohibits staff from discussing business of the attorney general’s office with anyone attempting to lobby on behalf of a client, unless such person is a registered lobbyist. This includes licensed attorneys who fall within the scope of state lobbying law.
Hawley’s policy also establishes a pay-to-play provision prohibiting campaign contributions from those who have applied for or who have pending state contracts if the attorney general’s office has decision-making authority over the contract. Hawley’s ethics policy is effective immediately.
January 10, 2017 •
Greitens Issues Executive Order Banning Lobbyist Gifts to Executive Branch Employees
Almost immediately upon being sworn in as Missouri governor, Eric Greitens issued an executive order banning lobbyist gifts to executive branch employees. The order also establishes a revolving door provision, prohibiting gubernatorial staff from lobbying his office after leaving their […]
Almost immediately upon being sworn in as Missouri governor, Eric Greitens issued an executive order banning lobbyist gifts to executive branch employees.
The order also establishes a revolving door provision, prohibiting gubernatorial staff from lobbying his office after leaving their positions.
At the Capitol, Republican lawmakers held a meeting yesterday to endorse a bill to expand the executive order by banning most lobbyist gifts to legislators. The actions are part of an effort to reform state ethics laws and curb government corruption.
January 6, 2017 •
Special Election Needed in Missouri House District 50
Caleb Jones (R) will leave the state House District 50 seat vacant when he joins Governor-elect Eric Greitens (R) as the new Deputy Chief of Staff starting January 9. Ashland Republican Party State Committeewoman Sara Walsh (R) announced her candidacy […]
Caleb Jones (R) will leave the state House District 50 seat vacant when he joins Governor-elect Eric Greitens (R) as the new Deputy Chief of Staff starting January 9.
Ashland Republican Party State Committeewoman Sara Walsh (R) announced her candidacy for the position this week. Until the special election to replace Jones, an office in the capitol dedicated to constituent services for members of his district will remain active.
December 29, 2016 •
Businesses Sue Over Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2
Constitutional Amendment 2, a reform measure approved in November, is facing a second legal challenge in federal court from plaintiffs who claim the amendment unconstitutionally restricts free speech and association. The suit was filed by Farmers State Bank and Herzog […]
Constitutional Amendment 2, a reform measure approved in November, is facing a second legal challenge in federal court from plaintiffs who claim the amendment unconstitutionally restricts free speech and association.
The suit was filed by Farmers State Bank and Herzog Services, with additional plaintiffs including the American Democracy Alliance, Missourians for Worker Freedom, Freedom PAC, the Free and Fair Election Fund, and John Elliott, a citizen. Plaintiffs contend the amendment’s contribution restrictions impermissibly prohibit corporate (including nonprofit) contributions in ballot measure and judicial retention campaigns.
A separate suit was filed by the Association of Missouri Electrical Cooperatives earlier in December.
December 8, 2016 •
Lawsuit Filed Challenging Missouri Campaign Finance Changes
The Association of Missouri Electrical Cooperatives filed suit Wednesday morning in federal district court challenging changes to campaign finance laws that became effective December 8. Voters approved the changes via a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Among other things, […]
The Association of Missouri Electrical Cooperatives filed suit Wednesday morning in federal district court challenging changes to campaign finance laws that became effective December 8.
Voters approved the changes via a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Among other things, the amendment establishes contribution limits for individuals and entities supporting statewide and judicial candidates, as well as prohibits certain corporate and labor union contributions.
The Association of Missouri Electrical Cooperatives unsuccessfully attempted to block the statewide referendum prior the November election; an appeals court stopped its lawsuit because it would not consider campaign restrictions not yet in effect. The new suit alleges the campaign finance changes violate free speech rights as they unfairly limit some businesses and associations from participating in political campaigns.
December 8, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “Gun Control Advocates Find a Deep-Pocketed Ally in Big Law” by Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Ben Protess for The New York Times “Bob Dole Worked Behind the Scenes on Trump-Taiwan Call” by Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Eric Lipton for The […]
Lobbying
“Gun Control Advocates Find a Deep-Pocketed Ally in Big Law” by Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Ben Protess for The New York Times
“Bob Dole Worked Behind the Scenes on Trump-Taiwan Call” by Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Eric Lipton for The New York Times
Alabama: “Ethics Commission Pulls Opinion Over Nonprofit Concerns” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Florida: “Hillsborough County to Copy Richard Corcoran’s Proposal to Ban Texting by Lobbyists?” by Mitch Perry for Florida Politics
Campaign Finance
Missouri: “Lawsuit Seeks to Stop Campaign Contribution Limits Approved by Missouri Voters Last Month” by Kurt Erickson for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Ethics
“Trump Adviser’s Son Removed from Transition after Spreading Conspiracy Theory” by Greg Miller for The Washington Post
“Trump’s Top Conflict Critics Take Over Watchdog Group” by Darren Samuelsohn for Politico
California: “Ex-LAPD Sergeant Broke City Rules by Leaking Recording of ‘Django Unchained’ Actress, Ethics Group Says” by Kate Mather for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Nine Face Corruption Charges, Including ESL Councilwoman, Board of Review Member” by George Pawlacyzk and Beth Hundsdorfer for Belleville News Democrat
Legislative Issues
South Carolina: “South Carolina Lawmakers Change Rules to Limit Obstructions” by Robert Kittle and John Hart for WJBF
December 5, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying Florida: “Corcoran Offers Lobbyist ‘Training’ to Adjust to New Legislative Limitations” by Allison Nielson for Sunshine State News West Virginia: “Ethics Panel Puts Question about WV House Speaker’s Job on Hold” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette Campaign Finance […]
Lobbying
Florida: “Corcoran Offers Lobbyist ‘Training’ to Adjust to New Legislative Limitations” by Allison Nielson for Sunshine State News
West Virginia: “Ethics Panel Puts Question about WV House Speaker’s Job on Hold” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Campaign Finance
Canada: “Ontario Overhauls Campaign Finance Rules with Sweeping Reforms” by Adrian Morrow for Toronto Globe and Mail
Arizona: “Burns Responds to APS Settlement Offer: No thanks” by Rachel Leingang for Arizona Capitol Times
Missouri: “Politicians Fatten Coffers before Missouri’s New Campaign-Donation Limits Kick In” by Jo Mannies for St. Louis Public Radio
New York: “Anthony Weiner Fined $65,000 for Campaign Finance Violations” by J. David Goodman for The New York Times
Ethics
“Trump’s Complex Stock Portfolio Could Create Yet More Conflicts” by Rosalind Helderman and Drew Harwell for The Washington Post
South Dakota: “Hearing Set on Move to Repeal New Anti-Corruption Measure” by Bob Mercer for Rapid City Journal
Elections
“‘Rigged’ or Not, Election Positions Trump to Shape Rules on How You Vote” by Michael Wines for The New York Times
November 30, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “How Exactly Do You ‘Drain the Swamp’? Here Are 4 Ways It Could Be Done.” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post Campaign Finance “Justin Trudeau Faces Criticism Over Fund-Raisers in Canada” by Ian Austen for The New York Times […]
Lobbying
“How Exactly Do You ‘Drain the Swamp’? Here Are 4 Ways It Could Be Done.” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“Justin Trudeau Faces Criticism Over Fund-Raisers in Canada” by Ian Austen for The New York Times
Ethics
“News Outlets Rethink Usage of the Term ‘Alt-Right’” by Sydney Ember for The New York Times
“The Controversial Legal Theory That Could Get Trump Sued” by Josh Gerstein for Politico
“Trump Names White House Counsel as Potential Conflicts Loom” by Jennifer Jacobs and Toluse Olorunippa for Bloomberg.com
Alabama: “Bodyguard: Alabama governor spent anti-terror funds on staff” by Tim Lockette for The Anniston Star
Missouri: “Could 2017 Be The Year That Ethics Reform Takes Hold in Missouri?” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Elections
“How Stable Are Democracies? ‘Warning Signs Are Flashing Red’” by Amanda Taub for The New York Times
“Trump’s Baseless Assertions of Voter Fraud Called ‘Stunning’” by Andrew Restuccia for Politico
“For Trump Son-in-Law and Confidant Jared Kushner, a Long History of Fierce Loyalty” by Shawn Boberg for The Washington Post
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