Campaign
Finance Reform
People and business with money have influence over the legislative and political process while those without do not.
- About the issue
- Why does this matter to people with disabilities?
- Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue?
- Who can I contact with my questions?
- Background Information For This Issue
About the issue: (Top of page)
It can cost a lot of money to run for office. Local elections are not as expensive, but statewide ones are. In 2006, the total spent by people running for Wisconsin Governor was over $19 million. People running for State Senate spend an average of $250,000. People running for State Assembly spend an average of $75,000.
Advertising is the main reason that campaigns cost so much. It costs a lot of money to run an ad on TV. But TV is the only way a candidate can be seen by people all over the area.
Very few people have enough money to buy ads on their own. So they ask for donations to their campaign. Family and friends may make small donations. The large contributions often come from special interest groups. These groups include political committees, professional associations, business organizations and labor unions.
When individuals or groups make large contributions, they expect access. This means the candidates will meet with them and listen to them. They may also expect that the candidate will support the policies they want.
Why does this matter to people with developmental disabilities? (Top of page)
Most people with disabilities have limited incomes. They are unable or unwilling to give money to campaigns. Because of this, few of them have the same kind of access that large donors have. This may be why it is difficult to get action on disability issues.
It also matters for people with disabilities and family members who may want to run for office. Local races (county, city, town, school board) cost much less than state ones, but it still takes money to run.
Are there any bills that would make a change in this issue? (Top of page)
Generally, reform advocates promote legislation that will reduce the influence of money in campaigns. The idea is to make elections as fair and open as possible, so that anyone could run for office.
- Assembly Bill 42 - Fund Raising and the Budget
This bill would prohibit elected state officials and their campaign committees from fundraising during state budget deliberations. [More on Assembly Bill 42 ]
- Assembly Bill 63 - Issue Ad Disclosure
This bill requires special interest groups with some limitations, who issue a campaign issue ad 60 days before an election to disclose the donors for that issue ad. This bill mirrors the new rules issued by the State Government Accountability Board in No [More on Assembly Bill 63 ]
- Assembly Bill 65 - Impartial Justice Bill
This bill creates a system of public financing of campaigns for the office of state supreme court justice. [More on Assembly Bill 65 ]
- Senate Bill 23 - Fund Raising and the Budget
This bill would prohibit elected state officials and their campaign committees from fundraising during state budget deliberations. [More on Senate Bill 23 ]
- Senate Bill 40 - Impartial Justice Bill
This bill creates a system of public financing of campaigns for the office of state supreme court justice. [More on Senate Bill 40 ]
- Senate Bill 43 - Issue Ad Disclosure
This bill requires special interest groups with some limitations, who issue a campaign issue ad 60 days before an election to disclose the donors for that issue ad. This bill mirrors the new rules issued by the State Government Accountability Board in No [More on Senate Bill 43 ]
- Senate Bill 221 - Election Practices
This bill makes numerous changes in the campaign financing law. The bill also makes changes to the income tax laws, the lobbying regulation law, and the staffing of the Government Accountability Board. [More on Senate Bill 221 ]
Who can I contact with my questions? (Top of page)
John Shaw
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53703-2796
Phone: Voice (608) 266-7707; TDD (608) 266-6660
Email: John1.Shaw@wisconsin.gov
Fax: (608) 267-3906
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