Cooper Vetoes Bill on Masks and Campaign Finance Reform

Mark Eisenberg
Photo: Finoracle.net

Cooper Vetoes Mask and Campaign Finance Bill

Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a bill on Friday that he says would keep voters in the dark and allow anonymous out-of-state billionaires to flood North Carolina with campaign money for "extreme right-wing candidates."

What's in the Bill?

H.B. 237, Various Criminal and Election Law Changes, aims to:

  • Ban wearing face masks in public to hide a criminal's identity.
  • Adjust campaign finance laws in North Carolina.

Bill's Journey

On June 11, House Democrats delayed a vote for almost an hour in opposition to the legislation that cracks down on public masking. However, House Republicans passed the bill later that day, gaining approval from both the North Carolina General Assembly.

The votes were as follows:

  • House: 69-43 along party lines.
  • Senate: Passed earlier in the week.

Cooper's Concerns

Cooper described the bill as creating a loophole for secret, unlimited campaign money during an election year. He argued that this would let anonymous out-of-state billionaires influence North Carolina elections to support extreme right-wing candidates. Additionally, the governor criticized the bill for removing protections for individuals who wish to wear masks for health reasons.

Republican Response

Rep. Grey Mills, R-Iredell, claimed that the bill does not open the door to "dark money" as critics suggest. According to Jim Stirling of the Civitas Center for Public Integrity at the John Locke Foundation, the bill aims to level the playing field between national political parties, counteracting the fundraising advantage Democrats enjoyed in recent years.

In reaction to the veto, Sen. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, stated that people have been using masks to hide their identity while committing crimes and intimidating others. He stated he looks forward to overriding the veto, allowing individuals with genuine health concerns to wear masks.

Key Provisions of the Bill

  1. Masking in Public:

    • Individuals can wear medical or surgical masks to prevent the spread of disease.
    • Enhanced penalties if someone is convicted of a crime while wearing a mask to hide their identity.
    • Protesters blocking highways will face Class 2 misdemeanor charges.
  2. Campaign Finance:

    • Adjustments to how federal campaign and national political party committees (527 committees) operate in North Carolina.
    • No change to the amount of money candidate committees or political parties may receive.

Political Reactions

Republicans claim the bill is intended to make fundraising equal for both parties. In contrast, Democrats argue it changes the game rules in an election year, and criticize it as mixing unrelated issues (masking and campaign finance).

Currently, Republicans hold veto-proof supermajorities in both the House and Senate, which could potentially lead to the override of Cooper's veto.

Summary

Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a bill that bans face masks in public and modifies campaign finance laws. While Republicans argue the bill ensures fairness, Democrats believe it allows secret campaign money and removes health protections. The Republicans’ majority could override the veto.

This story covers key issues affecting North Carolina’s election laws and public safety regulations, highlighting the political debate between Democrats and Republicans.

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Mark Eisenberg is a financial analyst and writer with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Mark specializes in investment strategies, market analysis, and personal finance. His work has been featured in prominent publications like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Mark’s articles are known for their in-depth research, clear presentation, and actionable insights, making them highly valuable to readers seeking reliable financial advice. He stays updated on the latest trends and developments in the financial sector, regularly attending industry conferences and seminars. With a reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, Mark Eisenberg continues to contribute high-quality content that helps individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.​⬤