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Money in Politics

Citizens United invited huge sums of dark money into our democracy. We're demanding reforms that put ordinary people ahead of billionaire campaign donors.

Americans know that money has too much influence in our political system. That is why we advocate for money in politics solutions that empower small-dollar donors to make an impact in campaigns, require disclosure of all campaign money raised and spent, remove the financial barriers stopping everyday people from running for office, and hold elected officials and wealthy special interests accountable to voters.

Even with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, states and cities across the country are proving that we can improve our campaign finance system with laws that amplify the voices of everyday Americans.

What We’re Doing

Campaign Finance Reform

Campaign

Campaign Finance Reform

Money plays an oversized role in our elections, but there are policies we're fighting for that put power back in the hands of average Nebraskans.

From disclosing dark money contributions to placing common-sense limits on individual contributions, the Cornhusker state has options for reforming how we finance elections.
Lobby Reform

Campaign

Lobby Reform

When lobbyists wield too much power and influence, everyday Nebraskans lose. We're leading the way in the fight for greater transparency and accountability.
Public Funding for Elections

Legislation

Public Funding for Elections

Elections financed by small-dollar donors help break down barriers to participation in our democracy, creating a government that looks more like us and works better for us.

Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.

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Updates

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What’s Ahead for CCNE in 2024

Blog Post

What’s Ahead for CCNE in 2024

With a new legislative session and major elections just over the horizon, 2024 is sure to be a busy one for Common Cause Nebraska! We'll be weighing in on important issues, fielding an Election Protection program to protect voters' rights, and driving the conversation on campaign finance and redistricting reforms.

Common Cause NE Testimony In Support of LB737

Position Statement

Common Cause NE Testimony In Support of LB737

Common Cause Nebraska supports efforts in the Nebraska legislature to restrain the influence of big donors. LB737 would place commonsense caps on how much an individual donor can contribute to each campaign.

Money Talks: Campaign Finance Insights from the Nebraska Primary Elections

Blog Post

Money Talks: Campaign Finance Insights from the Nebraska Primary Elections

Money plays a significant role within the American political process. From candidacy to incumbency, money directly impacts how elected officials get into public office, how they vote once in office, and what policies they choose to prioritize.

Related Resources

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Report

Public Service Commission Donations

A review of campaign donations to candidates for Nebraska's Public Service Commission found that they were funded mostly by the industries they are elected to regulate, rather than average Nebraskans.

Report

Lobbyist Spending: Nebraska’s Other Pandemic Thrives During COVID-19

In 2000, gross earnings for the Nebraska lobby were recorded as $3,002853. Since then, we have seen increases each year reaching an all-time high in 2019 of $19,405,061. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought the steady growth in total earnings to a halt.

Report

Shucking the Bucks: Another Record Harvest for Nebraska Lobbyists

For nine years, Common Cause Nebraska has compiled public records to document the growing wealth of the lobby and expose the influence of special interest money in politics. We continue to advocate for a two-year break before legislators can become lobbyists, ending in-session fundraisers and more transparency from both lobbyists and the special interest groups on how they influence lawmakers.

Report

Breaking Records: Wealthy Special Interests Spend Most Ever

For eight years, Common Cause Nebraska has compiled lobbyists’ expenses to document the growing wealth of
the lobby and advance reforms to curb the influence of special interest money in politics. This report highlights how Nebraskans have become accepting of lobbyists wining, dining and entertaining their way to access, despite how it puts the average citizen at a disadvantage.

Press

Report: Nebraska’s Lobbyists Shatter Records — Again

Press Release

Report: Nebraska’s Lobbyists Shatter Records — Again

Lincoln, NE — Last year, Nebraska lobbyists broke records, earning a whopping $21,839,249 in compensation from special interests to influence legislation, according to a new report released today by Common Cause Nebraska. 

Common Cause Nebraska to Testify at March 23 Hearings on Campaign Finance Bills

Press Release

Common Cause Nebraska to Testify at March 23 Hearings on Campaign Finance Bills

LINCOLN, NE — Tomorrow, Common Cause Nebraska (CCNE) Issues Chair Jack Gould will appear before the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to testify in support of LB9, a NE bill that will force disclosures about issue-related, non-candidate spending. That same day, CCNE Executive Director Gavin Geis will also testify supporting LB737, which seeks to place a $1000 limit on how much anyone can contribute to candidates for office.

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