Americans overwhelmingly agree that the outsized influence of money in politics is one of the greatest problems facing our country. In fact, according to a recent Issue One-Ipsos Poll, 78% of Americans want new laws curtailing the role of money in politics. It was a major reason that supporters were drawn to Senator Sanders, Secretary Clinton, and Donald Trump, the candidates who most frequently spoke to this issue on the presidential campaign trail. People are tired of financial interests having the loudest voices in the room, rather than the priorities of elected officials reflecting those of voters.
In California, we have the opportunity right now to achieve significant progress in making our elections more open, giving power back to the people, but we can't do it without you- sign this petition to tell the Legislature and Governor Brown to fight big money in politics.
The California state constitution currently forbids cities and counties from enacting one of the best options we have for campaign finance reform: public funding of campaigns. This prohibition forces candidates to rely on donations from those who can afford to give – primarily moneyed interests and the wealthy.
Senate Bill 1107 would amend this law, giving cities and municipalities the option to allow candidates to accept public funds rather than relying on big-money donors. Public funding systems open up electoral politics to citizens who may not typically get involved, and to candidates who may not previously have been able to run. Cities and states across the country have already begun leading the way with public financing programs with great success, and six charter cities in California have been allowed to implement these programs. I want all of California, not just a few cities, to be able to take a step towards more fair and equitable campaigns.
When I ran for State Senate in 2014, I called for several campaign finance reforms, including laws like S.B. 1107 that would expand public campaign financing programs in the state. I saw that I was able to run a competitive, grassroots campaign on small-dollar contributions, but that it would have been nearly impossible for someone without my national name recognition. I have remained committed to these policy changes ever since, and currently advocate for them as the California State Director of Voices For Progress. I will do everything I can ensure that we limit the role of big money in politics and empower those in our communities who have historically been shut out of the political process. While I, along with many Americans, hope to one day see the disastrous Citizens United decision overturned, S.B. 1107 is a necessary step in the right direction that we can pass this summer..
S.B. 1107 does not require a specific public financing program or the implementation of one at all; it simply returns control to the local level, giving cities and counties the control to implement one if they so choose. This gives communities the ability to select the campaign system that works best for them. Every community in California should have that option, not just the few large charter cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco.
The successes that we have seen in those cities and across the country with innovative public financing programs show that similar programs would be successful in additional cities and counties here in California.
In New York City, municipal candidates are eligible to receive campaign dollars from a matching funds program that gives the candidate $6 for every $1 donated, creating incentives for candidates to engage directly with average citizens in the city, rather than only those with deep pockets, and helping typical citizens feel that small-dollar contributions can add up to enough to make a difference. During Maryland’s 2014 gubernatorial race, Republican candidate Larry Hogan accepted public funds rather than raising money from private donors, eventually beating his privately-financed opponent. Starting next year, Seattle residents will each receive four $25 vouchers that they can give to the candidates of their choice. These are just a few of the public financing systems that California cities and counties could implement to limit the role of big money in campaigns, raising the voices of average citizens.
Curbing the role of money in our elections is one of the few issues upon which Americans across the political spectrum agree. This issue clearly has bipartisan support among the voters and we will need bipartisan support in the Senate and Assembly to pass this bill. If you are one of the 78% of Americans who believe we must reform the role of money in politics, add your name to this petition. Together, we can give the power back to voters.