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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 21, 2016 10:12 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Scott Conklin |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Campaign Contribution Limits |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation implementing campaign contribution limits for candidates for elected office in Pennsylvania. There is no single factor that undermines our democracy more than the influence of big money in elections. Restrictions on campaign donations should be put in place, not because our candidates and officials lack integrity, but because the race for campaign cash forces priorities and practices within our system of elections that collide with the very essence of democracy. My legislation implements the same contribution limits as those imposed for federal elections under the Federal Election Campaign Act; however, they would apply to all candidates seeking state or municipal office. In addition, similar to Federal law, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as opposed to the Federal Elections Commission, would increase contribution limits in odd-numbered years based on inflation. Currently, eleven states- Alabama, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Pennsylvania- do not impose limits on campaign contributions to candidates. It is unfortunate that Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of being one of these eleven states. By imposing caps on certain types of contributions, we can send a message to our constituents that it is their votes that influence our decision-making rather than campaign donations. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |