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
December 1, 2016 •
Chairman of JCOPE Steps Down
On November 29, 2016, Daniel Horwitz’s departure as the chairman of the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) was announced at a panel meeting. Horwitz has been a member of JCOPE since 2011 and the chairman since […]
On November 29, 2016, Daniel Horwitz’s departure as the chairman of the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) was announced at a panel meeting.
Horwitz has been a member of JCOPE since 2011 and the chairman since 2013. A replacement for Horwitz has not been appointed, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo is currently vetting candidates for the position.
November 22, 2016 •
NY Gov. Wants Special Session For Ethic Reforms
A special session may be called for the New York Legislature this December. Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants a special session to pass a series of ethics reforms he proposed in a statement released on Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are against […]
A special session may be called for the New York Legislature this December.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants a special session to pass a series of ethics reforms he proposed in a statement released on Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are against a special session, but Cuomo is hoping to entice state legislators to return to the capital by promising a modest salary increase.
November 17, 2016 •
Gov. Cuomo to Address Ethics Concerns
On November 16, 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement proposing plans to limit campaign contributions and close loopholes for those doing business with the state. In response to contracting scandals at state universities, Cuomo intends to appoint inspectors general […]
On November 16, 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement proposing plans to limit campaign contributions and close loopholes for those doing business with the state.
In response to contracting scandals at state universities, Cuomo intends to appoint inspectors general to investigate fraud and abuse at the State University of New York and the City University of New York.
Furthermore, Cuomo will appoint a chief procurement officer to review all state contracts and grants for the purpose of re-establishing public trust. The entire statement can be accessed here.
Photo of Governor Cuomo courtesy of Pat Arnow on Wikipedia.
November 17, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Lobbying “U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue Announces Revamp of Group’s Lobbying Arm” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post “Trump Team Sets Broader Limits on Lobbying by Former Staff“ by Michael Shear and Eric Lipton for The New York Times Alabama: […]
Lobbying
“U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue Announces Revamp of Group’s Lobbying Arm” by Catherine Ho for The Washington Post
“Trump Team Sets Broader Limits on Lobbying by Former Staff“ by Michael Shear and Eric Lipton for The New York Times
Alabama: “Strange’s Office Asked Groups for Input on Ethics Law” by Brian Lyman for Montgomery Advertiser
Florida: “Senate, House Differ on Lobbyist, Budget Rules” by Brandon Larrabee (News Service of Florida) for Sunshine State News
Campaign Finance
Maine: “Maine Ethics Commission Proposes New Campaign Finance Rules” by Christopher Cousins (Bangor Daily News) for Maine Sun Journal
“Federal Prosecutors Open Criminal Grand Jury Probe of Thornton Law Firm Donations” by Andrea Estes (The Boston Globe) and Viveca Novak for Center for Responsive Politics
Ethics
“Rudolph Giuliani’s Business Ties Viewed as Red Flag for Secretary of State Job” by Mark Landler, Eric Lipton and Jo Becker for The New York Times
New York: “Cuomo to Limit Campaign Cash, Create Watchdogs” by Jon Campbell for The Journal News
Elections
“Political Divide Splits Relationships – and Thanksgiving, Too” by Sabrina Tavernise and Katharine Q. Seelye for The New York Times
“Rights Groups See ‘Unprecedented’ Support in Wake of Election” by Sandhya Somashekhar for The Washington Post
November 4, 2016 •
Contribution Limit Legislation On the Horizon for New York City, NY
The New York City Council plans to hear legislation aimed at limiting contributions from contributors who have city business to groups directed or affiliated with an elected official. The bill, yet to be released publicly, will likely limit contributions to […]
The New York City Council plans to hear legislation aimed at limiting contributions from contributors who have city business to groups directed or affiliated with an elected official.
The bill, yet to be released publicly, will likely limit contributions to hundreds of dollars and require city or public officials to report contributors annually.
The bill will likely be introduced to City Council within two weeks.
October 28, 2016 •
New York City, NY Clarifies Definition of Lobbying for Builders
The Office of the City Clerk released an advisory opinion to clarify language in the city administrative code. Pursuant to Administrative Code §3-211(c), “lobbying” or “lobbying activities” include any attempt to influence any determination made by an employee of the […]
The Office of the City Clerk released an advisory opinion to clarify language in the city administrative code.
Pursuant to Administrative Code §3-211(c), “lobbying” or “lobbying activities” include any attempt to influence any determination made by an employee of the city with respect to the terms of the acquisition or disposition by the city of any interest in real property, with respect to a license or permit for the use of real property of or by the city, or with respect to a franchise, concession or revocable consent.
Due to the above language, builders were concerned obtaining a building permit would be considered lobbying activity. In Advisory Opinion 2016-1, the city clerk concluded an application to the Department of Buildings (DOB) for work permits and any ensuing communications with employees of the DOB are not lobbying or a lobbying activity under the Administrative Code.
Photo of New York City by AngMoKio on Wikimedia Commons.
October 20, 2016 •
New York City Campaign Finance Board Chairwoman to Step Down
Rose Gill Hearn, chairwoman of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (NYCCFB), will step down in December. In Hearn’s September resignation letter, she stated her heavy work load from her primary job as the reason for her departure as […]
Rose Gill Hearn, chairwoman of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (NYCCFB), will step down in December.
In Hearn’s September resignation letter, she stated her heavy work load from her primary job as the reason for her departure as chairwoman.
The chairperson of the NYCCFB is appointed by the sitting mayor and serves for five years.
Photo of New York City by AngMoKio on Wikimedia Commons.
October 14, 2016 •
JCOPE Staff Releases Set of Proposed Regulations
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) released a set of proposed lobbying regulations on October 13, 2016. The comprehensive regulations expand the definition of lobbying to include indirect lobbying, like setting up a meeting between a legislator […]
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) released a set of proposed lobbying regulations on October 13, 2016. The comprehensive regulations expand the definition of lobbying to include indirect lobbying, like setting up a meeting between a legislator and a lobbyist.
According to JCOPE, the purpose of the proposed regulations is to fully incorporate existing guidelines and decades of advisory opinions.
JCOPE is seeking public comment on the staff proposed regulations until November 21, 2016. Drafts of the rules may be found at http://www.jcope.ny.gov/advice/staffproposal.html.
September 21, 2016 •
New York City Board Proposes New Campaign Finance Rules
The New York City Campaign Finance Board has proposed several rule changes. Dependent on any amendment to the proposed rules, the board aims at reducing coordination between campaigns and independent expenditure groups by adding two new factors to determine coordination […]
The New York City Campaign Finance Board has proposed several rule changes.
Dependent on any amendment to the proposed rules, the board aims at reducing coordination between campaigns and independent expenditure groups by adding two new factors to determine coordination between the two groups. Another proposed rule codifies an advisory opinion stating once an individual has been compensated for a service, he or she may no longer be considered a volunteer for the previously compensated service.
The entire notice of proposed rules can be found at http://www.nyccfb.info/law/rules/proposed-rules. As the public comment period is over, the board will consider feedback and likely adopt the final rules in October. The final rules are required to be published by the city clerk and would become effective 30 days from publication.
Photo of the New York City skyline by AngMoKio on Wikimedia Commons.
September 21, 2016 •
NYC Campaign Finance Board Launches Interactive Contributions Map
The New York City Campaign Finance Board has launched a new online tool to track individual contributions to participating 2017 candidates. The visualization of individual contributions is searchable by office, candidates, geography, and filing period. The interactive map may be […]
The New York City Campaign Finance Board has launched a new online tool to track individual contributions to participating 2017 candidates.
The visualization of individual contributions is searchable by office, candidates, geography, and filing period.
The interactive map may be found at http://maps.nyccfb.info/.
September 13, 2016 •
New York Assembly Candidate’s Death May Create Vacancy
On September 9, 2016, New York Assemblyman Bill Nojay took his own life. Nojay was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on fraud charges related to mishandling of a trust fund on the day he passed. Nojay was already […]
On September 9, 2016, New York Assemblyman Bill Nojay took his own life. Nojay was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on fraud charges related to mishandling of a trust fund on the day he passed.
Nojay was already listed on the primary ballot for September 13, 2016. If Nojay wins the primary, the seat will default to a vacancy and the GOP will select a replacement.
Nojay’s opponent, Richard B. Milne, has offered his sincerest condolences and has suspended all political activity until further notice.
Photo of Rep. Bill Nojay courtesy of the New York State Assembly website.
August 22, 2016 •
New York JCOPE Investigation Could Impact Lobbying Disclosure
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is investigating a series of donations to Manhattan nonprofit Pledge 2 Protect. Under current law, groups engaged in lobbying activities exceeding $50,000 annually must disclose donors of $5,000 or more. The investigation arose […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is investigating a series of donations to Manhattan nonprofit Pledge 2 Protect.
Under current law, groups engaged in lobbying activities exceeding $50,000 annually must disclose donors of $5,000 or more. The investigation arose from a series of donations nearing $700,000 from unknown sources to a newly founded law firm, Marquart & Small. These donations were ultimately given to Pledge 2 Protect, with only Marquart & Small disclosed as Pledge 2 Protect’s donor.
Depending on the outcome of the case, Marquart & Small may be required to name their undisclosed third-party donors, and similarly situated groups would have to do the same moving forward.
August 11, 2016 •
JCOPE Extends Lobbyist Amnesty Program
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics has extended the deadline for the lobbyist amnesty program through September 30. The program is meant to encourage nonfiling lobbyists and employers to comply with the Lobbying Act by disclosing activity, as […]
The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics has extended the deadline for the lobbyist amnesty program through September 30. The program is meant to encourage nonfiling lobbyists and employers to comply with the Lobbying Act by disclosing activity, as required by law.
The program remains open only to those who have never been contacted by JCOPE for noncompliance with filing requirements and have never been the subject of a criminal proceeding for a Lobbying Act violation. The parallel New York City program was not extended.
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.