Latest Developments:
- The Federal Election Commission unanimously adopted legislative recommendations that it will send to Congress for consideration. The New York Times notes that the proposal, among other things, would “ban political campaigns from guiding donors by default into recurring contributions through prechecked boxes,” a practice that has been controversial.
- The Governor of Georgia signed SB 221, which authorizes leadership committees to “accept contributions or make expenditures for the purpose of affecting the outcome of any election or advocating for the election or defeat of any candidate…” The Atlanta Constitution describes the bill as “allowing state leaders to set up committees that could raise money during General Assembly sessions while lobbyists are trying to get legislation passed.” The article notes that it circumvents current contribution limits. The bill takes effect July 1.
- The Oregon Secretary of State, Oregon Audits Division, issued Report 2021-14 concerning the Oregon Ethics Commission. The “report includes 14 recommendations to OGEC intended to enhance independence, the complaint process, training, and public outreach.” Most of those recommendations require legislation. The report also lauds the state for having the second lowest corruption rate per capita among U.S. states.
- The Wichita, Kansas City Council adopted a Code of Ethics for City of Wichita Officials, which limits gifts to $150 per source per calendar year, requires public officials to report gifts over $50, establishes an Ethics Advisory Board and the office of Ethics Officer, who is the Chair of the new board. The Wichita Eagle points out that the “City Council now has two ethics codes: a city law, which has been in place since 1958, and a new City Council policy.”
- The Seattle Ethics Commission, in the Matter of Kshama Sawant, fined a City Council Member for using public resources to promote a ballot measure. She was fined “two times the amount of City funds improperly expended…”
In Case You Missed It:
- Virtual Lobbying Here to Stay: Politico reports that “87 percent of government affairs execs see the (videoconferencing) trend continuing, according to a survey conducted by the Public Affairs Council.” Respondents said that it was easier to reach officials and is sometimes more effective.
- Business PACs Encouraged to Restart: According to Business Insider, the “National Association of Business PACs (NABPAC) has encouraged its members to ‘move beyond’ the siege by restarting donations… The group’s membership includes more than 250 corporate PACs…”
- Big Payback in Corruption Probe: The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a key consultant in the investigation of corruption at City Hall has agreed to pay over a million dollars that “he secured through noncompetitive grants and contracts with the city’s Public Works and Public Utilities Commission…” He “also agreed to pay $317,650 in penalties and fees.”
- Nonprofit Disclosure Shield: The Los Angeles Times reveals that, since his initial election, the Mayor of Los Angeles has “reported raising more than $60 million from corporations, foundations, and individuals for the nonprofit Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles… The Times identified $3.8 million given to the Mayor’s Fund on behalf of Garcetti from donor-advised funds where the identity of the person or company was withheld.” We reported last week on the use of the same device to obscure donations made at the behest of the Governor of California.