Update: The Clean Money bill passed the Elections Committee 4-3 today, Jan. 10. Thanks to all of you who send letters to committee members — it paid off!
A crucial vote on a bill that would bring real campaign finance reform to California is scheduled for Tuesday, and members of the Assembly Elections Committee need to hear from as many Californians as possible to ensure the legislation passes this important step.
The California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, AB 583, by Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley), is modeled after clean money laws already adopted in Maine and Arizona. Recent studies in those states have shown that the systems have worked to restore voters’ faith in the election process, dramatically improved diversity among candidates running for public office and substantially reduced the amount of money spent on campaigns.
After the last statewide special election, in which a staggering $300 million was spent by various campaigns, it is clear that a new system is needed for California. Public financing of campaigns will elect candidates who are accountable to the people and the public interest, rather than those who are beholden to corporate, wealthy or special-interest donors.
Show your support by sending a letter today to Assembly Elections Committee members and Speaker Fabian Nunez!
Phone calls are also needed to the Elections Committee Chair, Tom Umberg, and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. All you have to do is call and say “I’m calling to ask that Speaker Nunez strongly support AB 583, the Clean Money bill.”
Speaker Fabian Nunez
(916) 319-2046 or (213) 620-4646
Assemblymember Tom Umberg
(916) 319-2069 or (714) 939-8469