What Do We Want? Democracy! When Do We Want It? Now!

What do we want? Democracy! When do we want it? Now!

But some members of the WV Legislature have other ideas. The House of Delegates is set to vote on a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees.

Ordinary working West Virginians don’t have that kind of money to donate to campaigns, so the overall effect of the bill would be disastrous for voters who struggle to have their voices heard above the special interests that try buy our elections.

Although SB 622 increases transparency of political spending in some small ways, Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee blocked efforts by Democrats to close loopholes in our laws that make it possible for groups that spend money on political ads to hide the identity of their donors. 

It’s past time to put an end to big money funneled through groups with secret donors, and we expect some of these amendments to be offered again when the full House considers the bill. 

Call your delegate(s) now and tell them to say YES to transparency, and NO to more money in West Virginia elections.

Tell them deserve to know who is trying to influence our votes and our elected representatives, not be kept in the dark. 

On the bright side, as the WV House prepares to vote on SB 622, the US House of Representatives will vote this week on HR 1, the boldest set of democracy reforms in decades!

A new report by Public Citizen highlights the need for this sweeping legislative package known as the For the People Act, which contains important ethics, campaign finance and voting rights reforms including ending dark money contributions, slowing the revolving door between public service and business as well as electoral reforms.

Make your voice heard and call your Representative today: 888-724-8879

#ForThePeople #FightBigMoney #WVProDemocracy

Best,

Julie

Julie Archer, Coordinator
WV Citizens for Clean Elections