DISCLOSE Act Seeks to Blunt Impacts of Citizens United
May 4, 2010
To blunt the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) recently introduced companion bills, both called the DISCLOSE Act (the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act). The legislative response would create new, rigorous campaign finance disclosure requirements meant to prevent moneyed interests from drowning out the voices of citizens and smaller advocacy organizations.
SpeechNow.org Decision May Expand the Role of Independent Groups
Apr 6, 2010
On March 26, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a unanimous opinion in SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission. The court decided that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) could not limit donations to independent political groups that will spend money to support or oppose candidates. This is the first major court ruling to apply the U.S. Supreme Court's holding in Citizens United v. FEC.
National Broadband Plan Seeks to Increase Civic Engagement
Mar 23, 2010
On March 16, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its 376-page National Broadband Plan, setting forth a strategy to expand access to broadband Internet services to millions of people. Chapter 15 of the broadband plan is specifically intended to make it easier for Americans to actively participate in civil society and hold their government accountable.
Nonprofits Are Making a Major Impact on Redistricting Reform
Mar 9, 2010
Redistricting reform efforts have emerged as a key issue that could significantly impact our democracy in 2010 and beyond. While it does not appear that there will be nationwide redistricting reform, efforts are moving forward in several states. Nonprofits have taken a lead role in advocating for a process that is independent, nonpartisan, and fair while also ensuring that their constituencies' interests are represented.
read in fullCitizens United: Additional Legislative Responses
Feb 23, 2010
Multiple legislative responses have followed the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a decision that permits independent election spending by corporations, including certain nonprofit organizations. Following three rigorous congressional hearings, lawmakers have expressed a sense of urgency and the intent to continue working on legislation to curtail the impacts of the ruling, even as some critics charge that reaction to the decision is inflated.
Citizens United: Nonprofit Calls to Action and the Legislative Response
Jan 27, 2010
In response to the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission opinion announced on Jan. 21, many nonprofits and political leaders are mobilizing to address the impact of the decision. Nonprofits, in particular, are taking the lead in ensuring that the voices of ordinary Americans are not diminished by an influx of corporate money into electoral politics.
read in fullCitizens United: The Supreme Court Decision and Its Potential Impacts
Jan 27, 2010
The long-awaited decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was issued on Jan. 21. With a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations and unions may now directly and expressly advocate for the election or defeat of candidates for federal office, as long as they do not coordinate their efforts with campaigns or political parties. Many predict the impacts of the decision will be immense and far-reaching, both for nonprofit voter engagement and political discourse as a whole.
read in fullU.S. Supreme Court Unleashes Money Pit by Striking Down Corporate Spending Limits in Citizens United Ruling
Jan 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010—The long-awaited decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was issued today. With a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 20-year-old precedent, which had stated that corporations can be prohibited from using money from their general treasuries to pay for their own campaign-related advertisements. Justices also struck down parts of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, also known as the McCain-Feingold bill, which prohibited unions and corporations from running issue ads before primary and general elections. OMB Watch is disappointed in today's decision and fears it will lead to moneyed interests drowning out the voices of citizens and smaller advocacy organizations.
read in fullFederal Court Rules on Voting Rights of Incarcerated Felons
Jan 12, 2010
A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that Washington State felony inmates are entitled to vote under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The court held that current restrictions, which strip convicted felons of the right to vote while incarcerated or under Department of Corrections supervision, unfairly discriminate against minorities.
read in fullA Song about Nonprofit Speech Rights in 2009
Dec 21, 2009
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Speech Rights are the thought of the day
Oh what fun it is to work
When nonprofits have a say, hey!
