January 3, 2006

RE: LB 188 - The Campaign Finance Limitation Act (CFLA)

Honorable Nebraska State Senators:

The Campaign Finance Limitation Act (CFLA) was intended to help curb the gross spending associated with running for office. Legislative races in the late 1980’s were exceeding $100,000; a daunting hurdle for a Nebraska citizen wishing to run for office. The enactment of the CFLA, which encourages voluntary spending limits, has controlled campaign spending as hoped. The CFLA has overwhelmingly been abided by since 1991. So has it worked? Yes. Can it work better? Certainly.

LB 762 proposed in 2004, was an attempt to repeal the CFLA. A coalition was formed which successfully convinced the State Senators that this was not the answer. The coalition agreed that the CFLA could be improved, but it was not necessary to throw the baby out with the bath water to do so. Senator Beutler has risen to this task.

Senator Beutler has introduced LB 188 which offers changes to the current Campaign Finance Limitation Act. These changes include raising certain spending limits and establishing fines for those who violate the provisions, to name a few. The League of Women Voters of Nebraska feel the changes offered in LB 188 will only help to strengthen the CFLA and maintain an equitable playing field for future candidates. We hope changes proposed in LB 188 will prevent mockery of the CFLA in the future by limiting, or eliminating, abuses in campaign financing.

The League of Women Voters of Nebraska encourages you to sign onto LB 188 and support its efforts to improve the Campaign Finance Limitation Act. The CFLA is truly a process that encourages representative government across the state.

Sincerely,

Sandra K. Powell

LWVNE, President

LWVNE CFLA Contacts: Peggy Adair, Action Vice President, (402)334-5863

Karren Kerr, LWVNE Board, (402)556-4964