The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More than 96 percent of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.

And State and Federal Communications, Inc. is one of those businesses. More important, this week we celebrate our 22^nd anniversary. In that time, we have grown from two employees to 40 employees. We are considered as one of the companies in NE Ohio providing good professional jobs to the community.

I believe I write about our anniversary every July because it is an important one not only for us but for you, our clients, who keep us motivated every day to continue to bring you updated information about lobbying, political contributions, and procurement issues in the states and now almost 300 municipalities.

We have grown to meet your needs in government relations and public affairs. And we are not going to stop.

1.     Our goal in 2015 is to provide a lobbying interface to help you keep track of your activities for federal reports. In fact, it is almost completed, and we will begin our testing. It is quite amazing, and you will find it easier to insure accurate filing of your LD-2 and LD-203 filings.
2.     Do you know how many times I show up in the Research Department and ask for them to add cities and counties… And they always find more to include. We know you are building facilities and offering services around the country, and these small cities and counties have ordinances affecting your activity. If you are missing one, let us know and we will look it up for you.
3.     And we are growing in more ways than one. In addition to staff, we have seven people expecting babies this quarter…Yes, you heard that right. Between July 5 and August 31, we will have six new State and Federal Communications babies. It is an exciting time for the staff.

There are times I truly miss researching updates, and I do miss preparing lobbying disclosure reports (even that pesky Wisconsin form), but I do love operating this company and making sure we are providing good benefits for the staff. I am excited when I see new cars in the parking lot or when new homes are purchased. I know they are deepening roots in the community and at State and Federal Communications. And, that, my friends is a WIN WIN for all of us.

Until next month, enjoy the holiday weekend, go to a baseball game, and enjoy the summer.

Campaign Finance

“Prison Inmate Forms Super PAC” by Carrie Levine for Center for Public Integrity

“It Only Took Five Months for Billionaire GOP Donors to Set New Records” by Paul Blumenthal for Huffington Post

“House Lawmakers Seek to Reform FEC Ahead of 2016” by Cristina Marcos for The Hill

“Christie’s 2016 Finance Team Includes Big N.J. Contractors” by Matt Friedman (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger

Ethics

California: “Ex-State Sen. Leland Yee Pleads Guilty to Racketeering in Corruption Case” by Lee Romney for Los Angeles Times

Minnesota: “McNamara Says He’s Filing Ethics Complaint against Park Lobbyist” by Steve Brandt for Minneapolis Star Tribune

New Mexico: “High Court Rules New Mexico Investment Suits Constitutional” by The Associated Press for Lexington Herald-Leader

New York: “Ex-N.Y. State Senator Gets Seven Years in Prison for Bribery” by Tom Hays (Associated Press) for Albany Times Union

Oregon: “How Much Pot Can Lawmakers Receive as a Gift? Oregon Democrat Has Some Advice” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian

Texas: “John Wiley Price Associates Enter Guilty Pleas, Agree to Testify” by Kevin Krause and Ed Timms for Dallas Morning News

State and Federal Communications is marking 22 extraordinary years of serving our clients! Enjoy this fun video highlighting the year in review.

On June 30, State & Federal Communications attended United Way’s Thirteenth Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon.  Elizabeth Bartz, the company’s president and CEO, introduced Dr. Beverly Warren, president of Kent State University and the event’s keynote speaker.  Dr. Warren gave a talk about the importance of philanthropy and the impact that women have on their community.  She gave numerous examples of women philanthropists from Kent State and around Akron.

The recipient of the 2015 Barbara Matthews Woman Philanthropist of the Year Award was Dr. Deborah Plate, a Family Practice Physician at Akron General Hospital.  Her award was presented by the 2014 recipient, Wendy Bolas.

Campaign Finance

“Big Labor Targets Steyer, Soros in Massive 2016 Fundraising Effort” by Kenneth Vogel and Brian Mahoney for Politico

“Gridlocked Elections Watchdog Goes Two Years without Top Lawyer” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

“What You Need to Know about Super PAC Compliance” by Brad Crate for Campaign & Elections

Ethics

“Supreme Court Won’t Hear Jailed Congressman’s Appeal” by Mike DeBonis for Washington Post

“Alan Grayson Hedge Funds Skirt Ethics Rule” by Matt Dixon for Politico

Hawaii: “Honolulu Ethics Commission Needs to Scrap Its New Anti-Media Policy” by the Editorial Board for Honolulu Civil Beat

Missouri: “FBI Asking Officials Whether Diehl Helped Consultant Get Contract” by Virginia Young for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Elections

“Why Television Is Still King for Campaign Spending” by Derek Willis for New York Times

“Chris Christie Enters Presidential Race” by Michael Barbaro for New York Times

Employees and Interns of State and Federal Communications spent the day at the United Way Day of Action on June 19, 2015. Along with the team from Omnova Solutions, each volunteer had their hands in the dirt beginning at 9:00 am.

The flower beds around the Lake Anna YMCA building looked more beautiful by the minute, with new mulch surrounding each one. A handful of people planted flowers around the fence of the YMCA garden. Halfway through the day, the YMCA staff provided us with a delicious cookout lunch.

It was rewarding to help out an organization that does so much for the community.

Enjoy this video created by our intern Elizabeth Scozzaro.

Lobbying

“Lobbying Typos and Misdemeanors” by James Panichi for Politico

“How Marco Rubio Turned Political Star Power into a Soaring Personal Income” by Tom Hamburger and Sean Sullivan for Washington Post

Ohio: “Lobbyist a Constant in Columbus’ Politics” by Mark Ferenchik and Lucas Sullivan for Columbus Dispatch

Virginia: “With McAuliffe in Office, Old Friends Find New Opportunities” by Alan Suderman (Associated Press) for Lexington Herald-Leader

Campaign Finance

“Bernie Sanders Doesn’t Follow the Money” by Tarini Parti and Jonathan Topaz for Politico

“Money Talks, Especially during Legislative Sessions” by Madison Russ for Philadelphia Inquirer

Ethics

Maine: “Combative Maine Governor Becomes a Party of One” by Katherine Seelye for New York Times

New Jersey: “Backlog of Local N.J. Ethics Cases Fosters Frustration” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record

Pennsylvania: “Lack of Funding for State Ethics Commission Invites Corruption, Experts Worry” by Kari Andren for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Redistricting

“Justices Rule 5-4 That Independent Panels Can Draw Election District Lines” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post

Lobbying

New York: “IG: State vendor lavished OMIG director with gifts, booze” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Wisconsin: “Madison City Council Member Will Seek to Ban Registered Lobbyists from Serving on City Committees” by Dean Mosiman for Wisconsin State Journal

Campaign Finance

“W.H., Watchdogs Rail against ‘Dark Money’ Provision Tucked into House Bill” by Tom Hamburger for Washington Post

Connecticut: “Election Panel Will Take Democrats to Court over Malloy Campaign” by Ken Dixon for Connecticut Post

Montana: “Montana Moves to Reveal Corporate Campaign Spending” by Alison Noon and Matt Volz (Associated Press) for New York Times

Ethics

Hawaii: “Honolulu Ethics Commission to Director Chuck Totto: Shut up” by Nick Grube for Honolulu Civil Beat

New York: “Former Friend Testifies as Obstruction Trial Begins for Brooklyn State Senator” by Stephanie Clifford for New York Times

Texas: “Abbott Emails Predicted Ethics Reform Failure” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Utah: “Audit: Utah A.G.’s office needs clearer whistleblower protection, ethics guides” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune

Elections

“Why Is The GOP Presidential Field So Large in 2016?” by James Pindell for Boston Globe

Last week, State & Federal Communications attended the monthly Akron Roundtable luncheon at Quaker Square. Previously, Akron Roundtable welcomed Michael Morell, former Deputy Directory of the CIA to talk about his new book, The Great War of Our Time. This week, the host of NPR’s Morning Edition, David Greene talked about his experiences with NPR from his time as one of the White House Correspondents to hosting Morning Edition. After speaking at the luncheon, State and Federal Communications hosted a reception in the office for Greene and WKSU.

Enjoy more photos from this great event on our Facebook.

National:

Calls to Drop Confederate Emblems Spread Nationwide
New York Times – Campbell Robertson, Monica Davey, and Julie Bosman | Published: 6/23/2015

After decades of bitter debate over whether the Confederate battle flag is a proud symbol of regional heritage or a shameful emblem of the nation’s most grievous sins, the argument may finally be moving toward an end. South Carolina is leading the way for other states as it considers removing the flag from its Capitol grounds after nine parishioners were shot to death in a black church in Charleston. Photographs that have since surfaced of the accused killer, Dylann Roof, show him posing with the Confederate flag. The banner was long considered politically sacrosanct in the South, at least among conservative whites. It now appears that a rush is on to banish it, along with other images that evoke the Confederacy and sow racial divisiveness.

Can Unlimited Contributions to Political Parties Really Reduce Polarization?
Washington Post – Lee Drutman | Published: 6/23/2015

Ideological polarization has many causes, most of which cannot be altered. But over the past few years, a growing crowd of scholars has explored the possibility that stronger parties could reduce the division. Because different states have different rules on how much money parties can raise, the proposition that making it easier for parties to raise more money reduces polarization can be empirically tested.

Federal:

Lobbyists: Easy target, easy touch
Politico – Tarini Parti | Published: 6/21/2015

In his speech announcing his intention to run for president, Jeb Bush singled out the lobbying industry for criticism, saying, “We will also challenge the culture that has made lobbying the premier growth industry in the nation’s capital – the rest of the country struggles under big government, while comfortable, complacent interest groups in Washington have been thriving on it.” Bush is not alone in calling out the industry. As presidential candidates look to portray themselves as Washington outsiders, lobbyists have emerged as a common, easy target. But lobbying firms still rank high on the list of fundraising stops for presidential hopefuls.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas – Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Lobbyist Gifts
Arkansas News – John Lyon | Published: 6/19/2015

The Arkansas Ethics Commission issued an advisory opinion stating that state agency directors, agency deputy directors, agency employees, and most local elected officials and their staffs and the staff members of constitutional officers are not barred from accepting gifts from lobbyists under Amendment 94. Gifts that fall outside of the scope of the amendment would still be subject to analysis, the commission said in the opinion, noting the law excludes gifts with a value of $100 or less.

California – Lawmakers’ Calendars List Meetings with Undercover Agents
San Diego Union Tribune – Judy Lin (Associated Press) | Published: 6/23/2015

Providing a rare glimpse at politicians’ lives outside the Capitol, the California Senate released about 300 pages from the calendars of former Sens. Ron Calderon and Leland Yee, who have been indicted on separate corruption charges. The appointment books appear to corroborate allegations that they met with undercover FBI agents at steakhouses and a lobbyist’s office. A judge found in the first ruling of its kind in California that the public’s interest outweighed the Senate’s interest in keeping the records private after news organizations sued to get the lawmakers’ records.

Florida – How Some of Florida’s Top Lobbyists Produce Blockbuster Budget Results
SaintPetersBlog – Peter Schorsch | Published: 6/16/2015

Speculation is part of the budget-making process in Florida as lobbyists and advocates seek funding for projects and programs. Then desperation hangs in the air during the final week of a 60-day session while they wait to see whether a year’s worth of work will result in a line item in the $77 billion state budget. “It’s a different type of animal than any other part of the legislative session, for sure,” said lobbyist Travis Blanton. “You can’t ever relax or take time off with the budget. You’ve got to play through the whole process [because] you don’t know until the moment when they hit the print button that you are in the budget or not.”

Idaho – Lobbying at the Capitol: Should Idaho state employees have to register under the law?
Idaho Statesman – Bill Dentzer | Published: 6/19/2015

State employees who lobby the Idaho Legislature or government officials as part of their jobs – for example, the lobbyists for the state’s universities – always used to register and disclose their spending. But after an attorney general’s opinion found they did not need to, the university lobbyists and other state workers whose jobs entail lobbying stopped filing. Now, Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney wants to propose legislation to make them register and disclose again. He also obtained a new opinion stating that gifts to lawmakers or executive branch officials must be disclosed, even if they come from state employees in the course of doing their jobs.

Kentucky – Florida Group Challenges Kentucky Law That Bans Corporations from Making Political Contributions
Lexington Herald-Leader – Jack Brammer | Published: 6/18/2015

Kentucky’s ban on corporate contributions to political parties and state and local candidates was challenged in a federal lawsuit filed by a group promoting a right-to-work agenda opposed by organized labor. The Florida-based group, Protect My Check Inc., claims the prohibition violates equal protection and free-speech rights. It said the ban is discriminatory because unions and limited liability companies are allowed to donate to candidates and political parties in Kentucky.

Missouri – Police Report Reveals Past Diehl Affair with Nixon Staffer
St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Virginia Young | Published: 6/19/2015

Former Missouri House Speaker John Diehl, who resigned after exchanging sexually suggestive text messages with a Capitol intern, also had affair with a former aide to Gov. Jay Nixon. While announcing his resignation, Diehl said he had not had any other inappropriate relationships with other women. But a Jefferson City police report notes Diehl and former Nixon aide Brittany Burke acknowledged to police they had an affair last year. At the time, Burke was lobbying the Legislature for the administration.

New Mexico – Transparency-Pushing Nonprofit Discloses Donors
NMPolitics – Heath Haussamen | Published: 6/19/2015

The IRS does not require most nonprofits to disclose their donors publicly even if they engage in lobbying or issue advocacy. But Common Cause’s national policy requires that it release information about donors of $250 or more when requested, which is how NMPolitics.net obtained the list of New Mexico donors. Common Cause New Mexico Executive Director Viki Harrison said her organization believes “it is very important to have full transparency in any efforts to influence policy.” She said she hopes additional nonprofit groups will voluntarily disclose their funding, “just like we hope elected officials, parties, lobbyists, and PACs go above and beyond what is simply the law when they disclose information.”

Ohio – Former Traffic Camera Exec Admits to Bribing Officials in Columbus, Cincinnati
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) | Published: 6/19/2015

Karen Finley, a former chief executive officer of Redflex Traffic Systems, pleaded guilty to bribery in an eight-year scheme involving elected city officials from both Cincinnati and Columbus to win or keep traffic-camera contracts. Court records show campaign contributions were funneled to the officials through a political consultant, and the money intended for Columbus officials was given to the Franklin County Democratic Party and Ohio Democratic Party, according to the plea agreement. Finley left the company in 2013 following a similar scandal in Chicago.

Oregon – Cannabis Industry Flexes Its New Political Muscle
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Conrad Wilson | Published: 6/21/2015

The 300 attendees at a recent fundraiser in Portland for U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer represented a newly energized group – members of the cannabis industry, now in an era where their product is legal for recreational use in Oregon. The Oregon Cannabis PAC hosted the event, which raised $100,000. Its leaders say that is the largest sum ever contributed by the industry to a politician during a single event. As the marijuana industry grows around the county, its political clout is growing, too. For members of Congress who are constantly fundraising, the industry offers new, high-yield donors. But it also raises questions about where the money came from and what those donors expect in return.

Oregon – Kate Brown Gets Her Wish: Last of her ethics reforms win approval
Portland Oregonian – Denis Theriault | Published: 6/18/2015

Oregon lawmakers approved the last of Gov. Kate Brown’s ethics reform bills. House Bill 2019 speeds up investigations by the state Government Ethics Commission and sharply limits the governor’s role in appointing its members. House Bill 2020 affirms that the governor’s partner is subject to state ethics rules and bans statewide officers from accepting speaking fees. Both join Senate Bill 9, which Brown has signed. It orders an audit of state agencies’ handling of public records, with its findings expected to serve as the basis of reforms as soon as next year.

Texas – Abbott Vetoes Spousal Loophole
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 6/20/2015

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed two ethics reform bills that would have given lawmakers cover to hide their spouses’ financial dealings. The vetoes capped Abbott’s inability in his first year to strengthen ethics laws as promised. He even named it one of five legislative priorities. Lawmakers fought for months over allowing more transparency about their personal wealth and curbing conflicts-of-interest. Although the vetoed bills would have tightened some disclosure rules, even ethics watchdogs considered what became known as the “spousal loophole” amendment far too toxic.

Washington – Vaping Giveaways Raise Eyebrows at State Capitol
The Olympian – Melissa Santos (Tacoma News Tribune) | Published: 6/24/2015

In a contest promoted by a group that supports stores that sell electronic cigarettes, customers who emailed Washington legislators to oppose new taxes on vapor products were entered into a drawing for prizes. Other shops told customers that if they emailed or called their lawmakers from inside a participating store, they would get a discount on their purchases. It is an unusual type of lobbying that has frustrated some state lawmakers who are looking to regulate the vaping industry. A spokesperson for state Public Disclosure Commission said providing discounts or giveaways in exchange for people contacting their lawmakers is not against the law, it is just something the agency has not seen before.

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.

Lobbying

Hawaii: “Former Lobbyist Who Wined and Dined Council Members Now Vice Chair of Key Panel” by Keoki Kerr for Hawaii News Now

Nebraska: “Common Cause Complaint against Former Senator Dismissed” by Joanne Young for Lincoln Journal Star

Campaign Finance

“This Chart Seemingly Proves How Wrong I Am about Money in Politics” by Chris Cillizza for Washington Post

“Cannabis Industry Flexes Its New Political Muscle” by Conrad Wilson for Oregon Public Broadcasting

Ethics

“Calls to Drop Confederate Emblems Spread Nationwide” by Campbell Robertson, Monica Davey, and Julie Bosman for New York Times

California: “Lawmakers’ Calendars List Meetings with Undercover Agents” by Judy Lin (Associated Press) for San Diego Union Tribune

Kentucky: “Kentucky Legislature Resolves Sexual Harassment Lawsuit” by Adam Beam (Associated Press) for Lexington Herald-Leader

Elections

“Bobby Jindal Announces Entry into 2016 Presidential Race” by David Fahrenthold and James Hohmann for Washington Post

“Democratic Super PAC to Take on Koch Brothers” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Lobbying

Rhode Island: “Edward Fitzpatrick: A final test for R.I. General Assembly on lobbying law” by Edward Fitzpatrick for Providence Journal

Campaign Finance

“Can Unlimited Contributions to Political Parties Really Reduce Polarization?” by Lee Drutman for Washington Post

“Will Doug Hughes Do Hard Time for Embarrassing Congress?” by Hannah Hess for Roll Call

Ethics

“Council of Conservative Citizens Promotes White Primacy, and G.O.P. Ties” by Michael Wines and Lizette Alvarez for New York Times

“House Ethics Panel Extends Review of Azerbaijan Trip, Slams Leaks” by Rachel Roubein for National Review

Kentucky: “Former Pike Lawmaker Had Mine Inspector in ‘His Back Pocket,’ Prosecutor Says as Bribery Trial Begins” by John Cheves for Lexington Herald-Leader

Oregon: “Kate Brown Gets Her Wish: Last of her ethics reforms win approval” by Denis Theriault for Portland Oregonian

Pennsylvania: “Philly Elections Chief Clark Agrees to Pay $4G Ethics Fine” by Chris Hepp for Philadelphia Inquirer

Virginia: “Marsh Returns Money from Golf Outing” by Jim Nolan for Richmond Times-Dispatch

Lobbying

“Lobbyists: Easy target, easy touch” by Tarini Parti for Politico

Florida: “How Some of Florida’s Top Lobbyists Produce Blockbuster Budget Results” by Peter Schorsch for SaintPetersBlog

Idaho: “Lobbying at the Capitol: Should Idaho state employees have to register under the law?” by Bill Dentzer for Idaho Statesman

New Mexico: “Transparency-Pushing Nonprofit Discloses Donors” by Heath Haussamen for NMPolitics

Campaign Finance

“Don Young Raises Money in Puerto Rico, Then Holds Hearing” by Anna Palmer, John Bresnahan, and Jake Sherman for Politico

Utah: “Feds: Jeremy Johnson skirted campaign finance laws in contributions to Shurtleff, Lee, Reid” by Ben Lockhart for Deseret News

Ethics

Missouri: “Police Report Reveals Past Diehl Affair with Nixon Staffer” by Virginia Young for St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Ohio: “Former Traffic Camera Exec Admits to Bribing Officials in Columbus, Cincinnati” by Jeremy Pelzer (Northeast Ohio Media Group) for Cleveland Plain Dealer

South Carolina: “Nikki Haley, South Carolina Governor, Calls for Removal of Confederate Battle Flag” by Frances Robles, Richard Fausset, and Michael Barbaro for New York Times

Lobbying

Arkansas: “Ethics Panel Issues Opinion on Lobbyist Gifts” by John Lyon for Arkansas News

Campaign Finance

“White Supremacist Leader Was a Political Donor” by Nick Gass for Politico

Kansas: “No Charges Filed after Federal Probe into Election Loans to Brownback’s Campaign” by Peter Hancock for Lawrence Journal World

Massachusetts: “Invitation to Political Fundraiser Might Skirt Ethics Laws” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

North Carolina: “NC Sen. Hartsell’s Campaign Finance Case Referred to Prosecutors” by Lynn Bonner for Raleigh News & Observer

Ethics

New York: “In Corruption Cases, Speculation Undermines Justice” by Richard Lipsky for Albany Times Union

Oregon: “Oregon Impeachment Resolution Expected to Die in Senate” by Dennis Theriault for Portland Oregonian

Tennessee: “State Rep. Joe Armstrong Indicted” by Richard Locker for Memphis Commercial Appeal

Texas: “Abbott Vetoes Spousal Loophole” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Washington: “Rachel Dolezal Told to Quit 2nd Post” by Kirk Johnson for New York Times