Assembly Republicans Vote Against Fundraising Limits by Ballot Measure Committees

Assembly Republicans voted en masse today against a bill that would let voters decide on fundraising reforms for ballot measures. The bill to block candidates from fundraising for ballot measures nonetheless passed through the Assembly 44-30

The Republicans’ vote on Assembly Bill 709 by Assembly Member Lois Wolk, D-Davis, can only be construed as a vote in favor of big money from big business and for the governor’s Chamber of Commerce-driven agenda against the citizens of California.

Wolk’s bill, if approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, would place a measure before voters at the next statewide election that would limit fundraising for candidate-controlled ballot measures. AB 709 would impose the same maximum contribution limit of $5,600 from any single source on ballot measure committees controlled by a state elective candidate.

In essence, AB 709 would block candidates from using ballot measure committees to skirt the limits on fundraising mandated by Proposition 34 which was approved by voters.

The governor has raised more than $30 million from big business special interests since taking office. Millions of dollars have been spent by committees under the governor’s control to promote the governor and his misguided special election agenda.

The lock-step vote by Assembly Republicans allows the governor to continue to raise large sums of money from big businesses and wealthy individuals who also supported his ascension to the state’s highest office.



###