The League of Women Voters of California is pleased to support AB 249 (Mullin and Levine), the California Disclose Act, which provides comprehensive regulation of advertisement disclosure and of the reporting of earmarking of funds.

The League believes that the methods of financing political campaigns should:

• enhance political equality for all citizens
• ensure maximum participation by citizens in the political process
• protect representative democracy from being distorted by big spending in election campaigns
• provide voters sufficient information about candidates and campaign issues to make informed choices
• ensure transparency and the public’s right to know who is using money to influence elections
• enable candidates to compete equitably for public office
• ensure that candidates have sufficient funds to communicate their messages to the public
• combat corruption and undue influence in government

We support state campaign finance practices for candidates and advocates of ballot measure positions that will ensure full disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures. Read our recent letter to the Elections Committee.

Last year we shared concerns with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) that amendments to the earmarking section of last session’s version of the bill could make enforcement more difficult. We hope the author will consult with the FPPC about public education and outreach concerning the bill’s new rules, and we would support any final improvements and clarifications to the bill that would enhance accountability and enforcement.

The California Disclose Act will be a significant step forward in making it clear to the public who are the top funders of campaigns and ballot measures. You can also follow the money during election time using Voter's Edge California.

Read more about Money in Politics.