From Public Citizen

The D.C. Council will cast its final vote on critical pay-to-play legislation that would limit political contributions from District contractors to elected officials with sway over the contracting process. The legislation was advanced by 11 out of 13 council members on Nov. 20, much to the praise of good government groups, but final passage is never guaranteed.

On Nov. 20, many council members spoke of the need for this important legislation, including two members who spoke of contractors telling them they felt compelled to give to the “right” candidates because they had contracts or bids with the District. However, a few council members still seem uneasy about taking action.

The “Campaign Finance Reform Amendment Act of 2018” (B22-0107) would:

• Restrict major government contractors from making campaign contributions to those responsible for issuing the contracts and address ongoing concerns about “pay-to-play” politics;
• Increase the independence of the campaign finance enforcement agency;
• Enhance the disclosure requirements for money in District elections and require that “independent” expenditures be truly independent of candidates; and
• Mandate training of all candidates and campaign treasurers of campaign finance and ethics laws.

The legislation is championed by Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and incorporates proposals from Council Chair Phil Mendelson, Council members Anita Bonds (D-At-Large), Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), David Grosso (I-At-Large), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Elissa Silverman (I-At-Large), Robert White (D-At-Large), Trayon White, Sr. (D-Ward 8) and Attorney General Karl Racine.

WHEN:

8 a.m., EST, Tuesday, Dec. 4

WHERE:

Room 500, Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.