U.S. Public Interest Research Group Says Rapid Fire Reform Required
[February 11, 2010, Washington DC]
Today Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Chris Van Hollen
introduced a series of strong reforms in response to the Supreme
Court’s disastrous Citizens United ruling.
“The
2010 elections will set the stage for corporate participation in the
wake of this ruling for decades, so rapid-fire action is required to
curtail the worst impacts of this decision in time to impact the 2010
elections.” U.S. PIRG Democracy Advocate, Lisa Gilbert commented.
“The
reforms outlined today will be introduced in a set of bills over the
next month and are needed to blunt the worst impacts of this heinous
judicial overreach by the Court,” she continued.
The
reforms described will increase disclosure information about ad
spending from corporate sources and provide shareholders with
information before corporations can spend their money. The lowest unit
rate advertising will be available to candidates who are facing
corporate competition. In addition foreign corporation with domestic
subsidiaries, federal contractors and TARP recipients who have not
repaid their funds will be banned from spending their money on politics.
“U.S. PIRG
applauds this framework. Our democracy is at risk like never before and
the playing field of American politics is far from level. Congress must
pass this strong package of reforms to protect regular constituents,” Gilbert added.
