THE CITIZEN LOBBYIST

Supporting LB 188

“The League of Women Voters of Nebraska encourages you to sign on to LB 188 and support its efforts to improve the Campaign Finance Limitations Act. The CFLA is truly a process that encourages representative government.”- Sandra K. Powell, LWVNE President.

Campaign Finance Reform: How can I have an impact?

Legislators are particularly interested in how a bill will affect the people in their district. Your perspective is important.

How do I get my message across?

Personal visits, writing, faxing, emailing or telephoning can all be effective.

If time is of the essence, a phone call or email may be best. When calling your representative’s office, it is likely that you will speak to a staff member

One-Minute Lobbying

When time is short, a telephone call is a quick and simple way to take action.

When the staffer answers, all you need to do is say who you are, where you live, and why you are calling.

Staffer:Good morning, Senator Blank’s office.

You: Hi, My name is Carrie Catt and I live at 100 Main Street in Hometown.

Staffer:May I help you?

You: I am calling to urge Senator Blank to support Amendment 2270 that updates LB 188, and strengthens the current Campaign Finance Limitations Act. It maintains the concept of Fair Fund Fighting in Nebraska.

I urge the Senator to oppose any Amendment repealing LB 188. It would end all campaign finance reform that we currently have in Nebraska and would open the door to dramatic increases in the amount of money spent on political campaigns.

Staffer: I will let the Senator know.

You: Thank you.

Staffer: Good-bye.

You: Good-bye.

TALKING POINTS: background Campaign Finance Limitation Act

§ CFLA was created in 1989 by a citizen’s task force concerned that legislative races were exceeding $100,000 and that the cost was discouraging those interested in participating in the election process.

§ CFLA passed in 1991 and has covered every legislative campaign since 1996. NO ONE has exceeded the voluntary limit.

§ There have been more than 200 state campaigns that have complied with the voluntary spending limits.

§ Public funds (from NADC fine money, not tax dollars) come into play when an abiding candidate is faced with a non-abiding candidate who estimates over the voluntary spending limit.

§ CFLA applies to all state offices. The Governor’s Office has been exempt until proper funding is raised.

§ Only three state races since 1996 have triggered public funds and two of those races were for the office of Regent.

§ The courts have not found voluntary spending limits in violation of the First Amendment.

§ AM2270 to LB 188 offers specific changes to provisions of the current Campaign Finance Limitations Act and the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act.

Details at: http://www.unicam.state.ne.us/ [Use billfinder]