May 2, 2017 •
Procurement Fraud Prevent Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
On April 25, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Gary Peters introduced legislation designed to help small businesses registering to procure federal contracts. Senate Bill 938, the Procurement Fraud Prevent Act, would require small businesses, when registering to contract with the […]
On April 25, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Gary Peters introduced legislation designed to help small businesses registering to procure federal contracts.
Senate Bill 938, the Procurement Fraud Prevent Act, would require small businesses, when registering to contract with the federal government, to be notified of free federal program assistance when procuring federal contracts. These federal programs include the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, the Small Business Administration, and the Minority Business Development Agency.
“Our legislation would ensure that more small businesses are aware of the free tools and resources already available to them so they can focus on making competitive bids, growing their companies, and creating jobs in their communities,” said Collins in a press release.
April 27, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Spending on Lobbying Approached $1 Billion in First Quarter, Highest in 5 Years” by Kimberly Kindy for Washington Post New York: “NYCLU’s Request for Donor Exemption Is Denied” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union Oregon: “Ethics Commission: Gov. […]
Lobbying
“Spending on Lobbying Approached $1 Billion in First Quarter, Highest in 5 Years” by Kimberly Kindy for Washington Post
New York: “NYCLU’s Request for Donor Exemption Is Denied” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Oregon: “Ethics Commission: Gov. Brown’s budget adviser may lobby on her behalf” by Anna Marum for Portland Oregonian
Campaign Finance
“Trump Inauguration Admits Errors, Vows to Correct Numerous Faulty Donor Records” by Christina Wilkie for HuffPost
Montana: “State Campaign Finance Reform Bill Hits Snag in Senate” by Corin Cates-Carney for Montana Public Radio
Ethics
“Some Public Pensions Help Trump, Report Shows” by Julia Harte (Reuters) for U.S. News & World Report
Rhode Island: “Panel: Probable cause that R.I. Supreme Court justice Flaherty violated ethics code” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Vermont: “Ethics Commission Bill Gains Steam in House” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org
Elections
“Slow Pace of Trump Nominations Leaves Cabinet Agencies ‘Stuck’ in Staffing Limbo” by Lisa Rein for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
Alabama: “House Judiciary Committee Releases Final Report on Bentley Impeachment” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Procurement
California: “Blacklist of Border-Wall Contractors Advanced in California Senate” by Nick Cahill for Courthouse News Service
April 26, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Flynn’s Turkish Lobbying Linked to Russia” by Issac Arnsdorf for Politico “‘What’s Upstream?’ Ad Campaign Funded by EPA Did Not Break Federal Lobbying Rules, Investigation Finds” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times Campaign Finance “Bill Would Force Maine-Based PACs […]
Lobbying
“Flynn’s Turkish Lobbying Linked to Russia” by Issac Arnsdorf for Politico
“‘What’s Upstream?’ Ad Campaign Funded by EPA Did Not Break Federal Lobbying Rules, Investigation Finds” by Joseph O’Sullivan for Seattle Times
Campaign Finance
“Bill Would Force Maine-Based PACs to Shed Light on Secretive Contributors” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public Radio
Ethics
“Flynn Probably Broke the Law by Failing to Disclose Foreign Payments, House Oversight Leaders Say” by Karoun Demirjian for Washington Post
“State Department Website Removes Article Touting History of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate” by Anne Gearan for Washington Post
“Sessions Vows to Enforce an Anti-Bribery Law Trump Ridiculed” by Charlie Savage for New York Times
“Greitens Says He Isn’t Responsible for Attack Ads Against Sen. Rob Schaaf” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Legislative Issues
“Tar Heel Republicans Override Gov. Cooper Veto in Latest Partisan Clash” by The Associated Press for Raleigh News & Observer
Procurement
“Contract with Company Connected to Epps Bribery Case Questioned” by Geoff Pender for Jackson Clarion-Ledger
April 12, 2017 •
Wednesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Missouri: “Limit on Lobbyist Gifts Clears Missouri Senate Committee” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Campaign Finance California: “Anti-Pot Group Faces Campaign Finance Violations from Its Work Opposing Marijuana Legalization in California” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “Limit on Lobbyist Gifts Clears Missouri Senate Committee” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Campaign Finance
California: “Anti-Pot Group Faces Campaign Finance Violations from Its Work Opposing Marijuana Legalization in California” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
New York: “Investigations into De Blasio Spurred City Reform, Renewed Calls for State Changes” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette
Ethics
“Secret A.T.F. Account Paid for $21,000 Nascar Suite and Las Vegas Trip” by Matt Apuzzo for New York Times
Michigan: “Michigan Sen. Bert Johnson Indicted by Grand Jury” by Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray for Detroit Free Press
South Carolina: “New SC Ethics Law Does Not Go Far Enough, Critics Say” by Avery Wilks for The State
Elections
Texas: “Federal Judge Says Texas Voter ID Law Intentionally Discriminates” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Oklahoma: “LGBTQ Group’s Capitol Visit Prompts Mass Email About ‘Cross-Dressers in the Building’” by Randy Krehbiel for Tulsa World
Procurement
California: “Feds: Well-known Oakland contractors conspired to cheat government” by Malaika Fraley for East Bay Times
April 7, 2017 •
Governor Signs Bill Modernizing Colorado Procurement Code
Gov. Hickenlooper recently signed House Bill 17-1051, modernizing the Colorado Procurement Code. Among other changes, the bill exempts grants from the state bidding requirements and makes the Procurement Code of Ethics and Guidelines applicable to state procurement officials, end users, […]
Gov. Hickenlooper recently signed House Bill 17-1051, modernizing the Colorado Procurement Code.
Among other changes, the bill exempts grants from the state bidding requirements and makes the Procurement Code of Ethics and Guidelines applicable to state procurement officials, end users, vendors, contractors, and interested third parties.
If the Legislature adjourns sine die on May 10, 2017, the bill will be effective August 9.
Photo of Gov. Hickenlooper By U.S. Department of Agriculture via Wikimedia Commons
February 23, 2017 •
Independent Ethics Commission Bill A Possibility in New Mexico
A bill creating an independent ethics commission is advancing through the New Mexico legislature. House Joint Resolution 8 (HJR 8) seeks to amend the state constitution and establish a state ethics commission. The ethics commission would oversee complaints against public […]
A bill creating an independent ethics commission is advancing through the New Mexico legislature.
House Joint Resolution 8 (HJR 8) seeks to amend the state constitution and establish a state ethics commission. The ethics commission would oversee complaints against public officials, both in the legislative and executive branches, as well as lobbyist and government contractors.
If passed, the proposed amendment would be placed on the 2018 general election ballot for voter approval.
HJR 8 unanimously passed the House Local Government, Elections, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee and will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee next.
February 21, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance ‘Soft Money’ Case a Test for Trump, Supreme Court by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA Missouri: Amid Greitens Mystery, Missouri Democrats Revive Inauguration Funding Disclosure Bill by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star Ethics Americans Are Seriously Stressed […]
Campaign Finance
‘Soft Money’ Case a Test for Trump, Supreme Court by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
Missouri: Amid Greitens Mystery, Missouri Democrats Revive Inauguration Funding Disclosure Bill by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star
Ethics
Americans Are Seriously Stressed Out About the Future of the Country, Survey Finds by Colby Itkowitz for The Washington Post
Democratic Party Chairs Struggle to Harness Activism Burst by Heidi Przybyla and Fredreka Schouten for USA Today
New Jersey: Judge: Bridge case complaint against Christie can proceed by David Porter (Associated Press) for ABC News
Pennsylvania: Closer Monitoring on Tap for City Council’s Ethics Training by Julia Terruso for Philadelphia Inquirer
South Carolina: SC Government Watchdog Crangle Takes New Post but Will Still Be Working General Assembly by John Monk for The State
Texas: Texas May Still Be Giving State-Funded Pension to Convicted Elected Officials by Jackie Wang for Texas Tribune
Lobbying
Hawaii: Tightening The Rules for Lobbyists by Ian Lind for Honolulu Civil Beat
Procurement
Arizona: Rival Sues Taser Over Loss of Phoenix Police Body-Cam Contract by Megan Cassidy for Arizona Republic
February 7, 2017 •
Tuesday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Campaign Finance Alabama: “Gov. Robert Bentley Used Campaign Funds to Pay Rebekah Mason’s Lawyer” by Mike Cason for AL.com Mississippi: “Campaign Finance Reports Go Digital” by Zachary Oren Smith for The Daily Journal Ethics “Trump May Be Skirting Transparency Law […]
Campaign Finance
Alabama: “Gov. Robert Bentley Used Campaign Funds to Pay Rebekah Mason’s Lawyer” by Mike Cason for AL.com
Mississippi: “Campaign Finance Reports Go Digital” by Zachary Oren Smith for The Daily Journal
Ethics
“Trump May Be Skirting Transparency Law on Advisory Boards” by Josh Gerstein for Politico
“Vincent Viola, Nominee for Army Secretary, Drops Out” by Susanne Craig for New York Times
“Eric Trump’s Trip to Uruguay Cost Taxpayers $97,830 in Hotel Bills” by Amy Brittain and Drew Harwell for Washington Post
“Trust Records Show Trump Is Still Closely Tied to His Empire” by Susanne Craig and Eric Lipton for New York Times
New Mexico: “Competing Ethics Proposals Raise Questions of Secrecy and Oversight” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
West Virginia: “Ethics Committee Oks Thrasher’s Blind Trust” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette
Lobbying
Florida: “Florida’s Six-Year Lobbying Ban Would Be Strictest of All 50 States” by Steve Bousquet for Tampa Times
Oklahoma: “Capitol Influence: Lobbyists need more than money to succeed at state Capitol” by Barbara Hoberock and Randy Krehbiel for Tulsa World
February 2, 2017 •
Thursday’s Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying Arizona: “How The Wrong Letterhead Exposed Phoenix’s Toothless Lobbying Rules” by Rob O’Dell and Dustin Gardner for Arizona Republic Arkansas: “Bill Would Let Foreigners Foot Bill for Some Lawmaker Travel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online Campaign Finance South […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “How The Wrong Letterhead Exposed Phoenix’s Toothless Lobbying Rules” by Rob O’Dell and Dustin Gardner for Arizona Republic
Arkansas: “Bill Would Let Foreigners Foot Bill for Some Lawmaker Travel” by Michael Wickline for Arkansas Online
Campaign Finance
South Carolina: “Upstate’s Judge’s Race Raises Judicial Ethics Question” by John Monk for The State
Washington: “Seattle Candidates Already on Hunt for ‘Democracy Vouchers’” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
Ethics
“Trump Aide’s Deal with Chinese Firm Raises Fear of Tangled Interests” by Sharon LaFraniere, Michael Forsythe, and Alexandra Stevenson for New York Times
“Resistance from Within: Federal workers push back against Trump” by Juliet Eilperin, Lisa Rein, and Marc Fisher for Washington Post
Montana: “Campaign Regulator Can Remain Until Replacement Is Confirmed” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for McClatchyDC.com
South Dakota: “South Dakota Senate Sends Ethics Law Repeal to Governor” by James Nord for Associated Press
West Virginia: “Potential Conflicts Also Issue for New WV Commerce Secretary” by Andrew Brown for Charleston Gazette
Elections
“Trump Rattles Statehouse Order” by David Siders for Politico
Procurement
“White House Says LGBT Protections for Federal Workers Will Remain” by Juliet Eilperin and Sandhya Somashekhar for Washington Post
Tech and Social Media
“Fatigued by the News? Experts Suggest How to Adjust Your Media Diet” by Christopher Mele for New York Times
January 27, 2017 •
New Pennsylvania Treasurer Bans the Use of Placement Agents for Public Contracts
The Commonwealth’s new treasurer, Joseph Torsella, banned the use middlemen to assist in connecting investment houses with public agencies. Torsella, in his first act after being sworn in, issued a policy directive banning the continued or future use of placement […]
The Commonwealth’s new treasurer, Joseph Torsella, banned the use middlemen to assist in connecting investment houses with public agencies.
Torsella, in his first act after being sworn in, issued a policy directive banning the continued or future use of placement agent agreements for contractors entrusted with the investment of public funds.
These placement agents are typically paid a finder’s fee for obtaining business for the investment house. Placement agents are also used to circumvent a federal pay-to-play law prohibiting investment houses from giving campaign donations.
Last year, former treasurer Pat McCord was embroiled in a bribery scandal with one such placement agent. Richard Ireland, a wealthy Chester County resident, is accused of offering McCord $500,000 in campaign donations in exchange for using his clients for investing.
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.
December 28, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Missouri: “With Greitens’ Blessing, Lawmakers Aim for Lobbyist-Gift Ban” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Springfield News-Leader New York: “Ex-Prisoners Get an Advocate from Their Own Ranks” by Benjamin Weiser for New York Times Campaign Finance “Trump Rewards Big […]
Lobbying
Missouri: “With Greitens’ Blessing, Lawmakers Aim for Lobbyist-Gift Ban” by Summer Ballentine (Associated Press) for Springfield News-Leader
New York: “Ex-Prisoners Get an Advocate from Their Own Ranks” by Benjamin Weiser for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“Trump Rewards Big Donors with Jobs and Access” by Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico
Vermont: “Donovan Taking Hard Look at AG’s Campaign Finance Case” by Morgan True for VTDigger.org
Ethics
“Donald Trump Plans to Shut Down His Charitable Foundation, Which Has Been Under Scrutiny for Months” by Mark Berman and David Fahrenthold for Washington Post
California: “Santa Clara County Bosses Let Workers Take Toys Meant for Needy Kids” by Ramona Girwagis for San Jose Mercury News
Maryland: “Botsaris Appointed Executive Director of Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission” by Amanda Yeager for Capital Gazette
South Carolina: “Possibility of More S.C. Lawmakers Charged with Corruption Looms” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) for Aiken Standard
Elections
Oklahoma: “An Oklahoma Newspaper Endorsed Clinton. It Hasn’t Been Forgiven.” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times
Legislative Issues
“Ryan Proposes Fines, Ethics Moves on Grandstanding House Members” by Billy House for Bloomberg.com
North Carolina: “When One Party Has the Governor’s Mansion and the Other Has the Statehouse” by Trip Gabriel for New York Times
Procurement
California: “Bid-Rigging Indictment Alleges California Government Contracting Scheme” by Adam Ashton for Sacramento Bee
December 14, 2016 •
Wednesday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Activists Brace for Fight Over Campaign Finance Law” by Alex Roarty for Roll Call Elections “Completed Wisconsin Recount Widens Donald Trump’s Lead by 131 Votes” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal Ethics “Aaron Schock Pleads Not Guilty […]
Campaign Finance
“Activists Brace for Fight Over Campaign Finance Law” by Alex Roarty for Roll Call
Elections
“Completed Wisconsin Recount Widens Donald Trump’s Lead by 131 Votes” by Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin State Journal
Ethics
“Aaron Schock Pleads Not Guilty To Slew of Federal Charges” by Aryn Braun for Roll Call
Wisconsin: “State Ethics Commissioner Resigns, Citing Dysfunction in New Watchdog Agency” by Mark Sommerhauser and Molly Beck for Wisconsin State Journal
Legislative Issues
“Budget Shortfalls Expected in the Most States Since Recession” by Liz Farmer for Governing
Lobbying
“K Street Eyes Outgoing Lawmakers for Jobs” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
“Exxon-Mobil: No Stranger to Lobbying the ‘Swamp’” by Lesley Clark (McClatchy) for The News & Observer
“Trump Transition Trade Staffer Defended NAFTA, was Chamber of Commerce Lobbyist” by Andrew Kaczynski and Chris Massie for CNN
Missouri: “Opinion: The Christmas Spirit of Lobbyists” by Phill Brooks for The Springfield Business Journal
Procurement
New York: “DiNapoli Proposes Procurement Reforms” by Matthew Hamilton for Times Union
December 8, 2016 •
Maryland to Modernize Procurement Laws
Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford, as chair of the Commission to Modernize State Procurement, released a report outlining a plan to update state procurement laws. The proposed regulations will update outdated statutory language and allow individuals to file applications […]
Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford, as chair of the Commission to Modernize State Procurement, released a report outlining a plan to update state procurement laws. The proposed regulations will update outdated statutory language and allow individuals to file applications and reports online.
Along with the report, Maryland unveiled a new procurement website, which will act as a singular procurement communications portal providing online access to procurement information. The new procurement information website can be viewed here.
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.