Campaign finance reform failure means caps on donations unlikely to occur until 2016 campaign cycle
Differences between House, Senate versions stall progress until January.
Disagreements, political theater delay campaign finance reform
Senate differs with recent House-approved campaign finance measures, calls for conference committee to resolve the disputes; Galbraith draws ire of some senators.
House reforms campaign finance rules
The legislation, which caps Super Pac contributions at $5,000, heads back to the Senate.
House poised to debate cap on Super PAC donations
The chief controversy involves the expense of a lawsuit the state could face if it enacts such a cap.
House committee opts to cap donations to Super PAC
“We’ve done a lot of firsts in Vermont. I’m wondering if this isn’t the time to take this step right off the diving board, and say, OK, we’ll take it to the Supreme Court if we have to,” said Rep. Donna Sweaney.
Lobbyist reports filed: American Beverage Association spent more than $500,000 fighting sugary drink tax
The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems spent about $108,000; Vermont State Employee Association spent $92,500.
Cheryl Hanna, Vermont Law School professor, warns lawmakers not to risk another campaign finance court battle
The Citizens United decision suggests that stricter and more frequent disclosures of spending and donations to such entities could withstand judicial scrutiny.
Vermonters First targets House representatives for backing taxes
Tayt Brooks, who founded and operates Vermonters First, told VTDigger that the mailings are part of its strategy to “bring balance to the debate over critical issues facing the state.”
State settles with Brian Dubie over 2011 campaign finance lawsuit; RGA must pay $30,000, Dubie $20,000
Sorrell’s office argued that the RGA’s radio and TV ad blitz, worth about $242,000, was an illegal donation far exceeding this limit.
Senate backtracks on corporate money ban
Senators voted 19-11 to eliminate the ban on corporate money in what some called a “gut and study” proposal that calls for the Secretary of State to issue a report on the matter in December.
