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“This bill will secure Connecticut’s position as a national leader in campaign financing reform and will ensure that our historic campaign finance reform legislation works as envisioned,” Governor Rell said. “In 2005, we took special interest money out of elections and put the elections where they should be – in the hands of our citizens. “We are no longer simply talking about cleaning up our system. We are making it reality by emphasizing transparency in political campaign funding, encouraging citizen participation in the political process and limiting the role of private money in elections.” The 2005 legislation created the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP). The CEP is a voluntary program which provides full public financing to qualified candidates for statewide offices and the General Assembly. The new legislation: • Enables the SEEC to allow participating candidates to spend supplemental grant money immediately upon receiving it • Allows the SEEC to issue cease and desist orders for violations of statutes and regulations under its jurisdiction • Allows the SEEC to order improper campaign contributions remitted to the Citizens' Election Fund (CEF). The CEF is the fund that provides grants of public dollars to participating candidates who qualify under CEP requirements “These changes will result in a fairer, more efficient pubic financing system,” Governor Rell said. “And now that the State Elections Enforcement Commission has this increased authority, we believe more political action committees will adhere to the law.” Administered by the non-partisan SEEC, the CEP was designed to encourage citizen participation and limit the role of private money in Connecticut’s political process. To participate in the CEP, candidates must agree to abide by contribution and expenditure limits and disclosure requirements. The CEP was designed with various goals, including: • to allow candidates to compete without reliance on special interest money • to curtail excessive spending and create a more level playing field among candidates • to give candidates without access to sources of wealth a meaningful opportunity to seek elective office in the State of Connecticut • to provide the public with meaningful and timely disclosure of campaign finances The new law also imposes a ban on contributions to committees associated with candidates for statewide or legislative office from client and communicator lobbyists when the General Assembly is in session. An Act Concerning the Citizens’ Election Program takes effect upon passage, except for the provision limiting the sessional ban on contributions from lobbyists to contributions from client lobbyists, which is effective October 1, 2008. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Consumers should recall Infant Rattles, due to choking hazard - May 16, 2008 - 11:39:53 AM Governor Rell names new veterans health center - May 15, 2008 - 1:18:32 PM Two stores cited for pricing violations - May 15, 2008 - 10:44:39 AM Flags to half staff to honor peace officers - May 14, 2008 - 3:24:02 PM Formal complaint against new home builder issued - May 14, 2008 - 1:53:35 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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