FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 16, 2004
 CONTACT :
Craig Reynolds for Wolk
(916) 319-2008
Paul Ryan (CGS)
(310) 470-6590 x115

Campaign Finance Reform Bill Gains Support

Reform group urges Governor to support measure
SACRAMENTO - The Center for Governmental Studies, a non-profit group leading campaign reform efforts in California, has endorsed AB 1980, a bill by Assemblywoman Wolk that would stop the current practice of candidates circumventing California campaign contribution laws by preventing unlimited contributions to candidate-controlled ballot measure committees, capping the amount at $5,000. The bill provides a stronger statutory basis for recent regulations passed by the Fair Political Practices Commission that will take effect in November.

"The Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) applauds Assemblywoman Wolk's AB 1980," said attorney Paul Ryan, CGS's Political Reform Project Director. "If adopted, AB 1980 would make California the first state in the nation to enact a law limiting contributions to candidate-controlled ballot measure committees.

"AB 1980 would terminate our 'reform' Governor's ability to legally accept $250,000 contributions into his ballot measure committees--despite California's $21,200 limit on contributions to the Governor's reelection campaign. CGS hopes Governor Schwarzenegger makes good on his reform promises and closes this fundraising loophole by supporting Assemblywoman Wolk's bill."

The Governor has not taken a position on the current version of the bill, but in a letter written to the Fair Political Practices Commission on June 21 the Governor's attorney, Thomas Hiltachk, wrote "the Governor pledges to work with Assemblywoman Wolk and the other interested legislators on her bill this summer in an effort to address the important matters raised by the Commission."

AB 1980 follows on the heels of Proposition 34, passed by California voters in 2000 by a 60-40% margin. A loophole in the enforcement of Proposition 34 allows candidates to avoid contribution limits by setting up ballot measure committees they control.

The bill was approved on Friday by a two-house conference committee on a bipartisan vote and must be approved by both houses of the Legislature by a two-thirds vote before going to the Governor.
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