November 2, 2009
ISSUE: Campaign Finance Reform
A Campaign Finance Reform Bill, SB1466, passed on the last day of the Fall Veto Session, October 30. The gains in the legislation include:
- Limits on money coming into the political system.
- There are limits for individuals, corporations, unions and associations, and PACs for the primary and general elections.
- There are limits for political party and legislative caucus committees during primary elections.
- A framework for better disclosure and enforcement.
- Contributions of $1000 or more must be reported electronically within 5 days.
- More detailed quarterly (rather than semi-annual) reports from campaign committees of contributions and expenditures.
- Random audits conducted by State Board of Elections to ensure compliance with the laws.
- Enhanced penalties for violation of the law’s provisions.
There has been a lot of criticism because the political party and legislative caucus committees are not limited in the money that they can transfer to candidates in the general election. However, having limits in the primary is an important step. It will encourage more people to challenge an incumbent or party-backed candidate and help level the playing field for challengers.
This is the first time that there are any limits in Illinois of money that can be used to fuel political campaigns. LWVIL has been working on Campaign Finance Reform and limiting contributions since 1995. It took countless hours of negotiations between Change Illinois and the Democratic Leadership to come to an agreement over contribution limits and improved disclosure and enforcement. We will continue to work for limits on the political party and legislative caucus committees in the future.
Thank you to all of you who contacted your state senators and state representatives on this topic. We would not have gotten the legislation that we did without your action.
For more information check out: www.changeil.org . |
