Citizen Funded Elections

Washington, D.C.’s City Council moved today to join a growing list of local and state governments in shifting power to small dollar donors and away from big money interests.

The Washington, D.C. City Council and the Legislature in Suffolk County, NY are expected to vote Tuesday on proposals to limit campaign spending and use public funds to supplement small dollar donations from individuals to candidates for local offices.

Today, the city of Seattle’s democracy voucher program has been upheld as constitutional. The Superior Court of the State of Washington for King County issued an opinion finding that the city’s pioneering public financing system is a valid tool for the city government to foster citizen involvement in elections, which is a goal “vital to a self-governing people.”

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has been drumming up business for a group of Washington-based political consultants who some of his fellow Republicans have accused of ripping off party donors.

Connecticut deserves honest and responsive elected officials who don’t have to compromise themselves in a constant chase for political contributions. That is exactly what the Citizens’ Election Program provided and the rampant scandals in Hartford finally slowed under the law.

At a time when too many Americans do not think they have a meaningful voice in their democracy, when confidence in our institutions is at historic lows, and cynicism at record highs, this democracy reform package is needed more than ever. These reforms are working at the state level, empowering citizens and breaking down barriers to participation for all Americans, irrespective of political party.