Oregon Legislative Leaders Push Last-Ditch Campaign Finance Reform Effort
Legislative leaders in the Oregon House are making a final attempt to pass their own version of campaign finance reform ahead of a potential ballot measure aimed at reducing the influence of big donors. The latest amendment to House Bill 4024 also includes a provision for the legislative proposal to go to the ballot in 2024.
The proposal, crafted by House Majority Leader Julie Fahey and Minority Leader Jeff Helfrich, was introduced as a 48-page amendment on Friday evening and is set to be reviewed in a committee vote on Monday. The lawmakers are working closely with labor and business groups, which are key players in electoral politics.
Criticism from nonpartisan groups advocating for stricter campaign finance laws has prompted some changes in the amendment, but those groups still believe the proposal contains too many loopholes for big donors. Oregon currently has no limits on campaign contributions, and voters have expressed frustration with the significant sums of money donated by wealthy individuals and groups to candidates.
The urgency to pass the legislative proposal stems from the existence of two competing ballot measures: Initiative Petition 9, led by Honest Elections Oregon, and Initiative Petition 42, supported by labor unions and progressive organizations. While Helfrich acknowledges that the proposed ballot measures may not be the best approach for the state, he appreciates the incentive they provide for lawmakers to begin negotiations.
The legislative proposal includes new contribution limits for candidates running for state legislative offices, circuit court judges, district attorneys, and governor. For example, candidates for these positions would be restricted to receiving a maximum of $3,300 per election from an individual, while labor unions and other membership organizations could contribute up to $16,500 per election. Small donor political committees, which accept up to $250 per year from individuals, would be allowed to give up to $33,000 per election for every 2,500 donors to the committee.
However, critics argue that the proposed limits are still too high and that the legislation could enable wealthy individuals to establish multiple 501(c)4 organizations to circumvent the caps. Opposition to the legislative proposal was evident during a recent public hearing, where every speaker voiced their disapproval. Written testimony has also been predominantly negative, with just 35 out of more than 200 comments expressing support for the proposal.
Campaign finance reform advocate Jason Kafoury believes that the $3,300 cap for individual contributions is excessive and warns that the legislation could encourage the creation of multiple organizations to influence elections. Norman Turrill, of the League of Women Voters of Oregon, has similarly stated that the league will not support the proposal unless other good government groups do so as well.
The future of campaign finance reform in Oregon remains uncertain, with both the legislative proposal and the two competing ballot measures awaiting further action.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Legislative leaders in the Oregon House are making a final push for campaign finance reform. This shows their commitment to addressing the issue of big donor influence. The proposal includes new contribution limits and has gained support from labor and business groups.
Analyst’s prediction: The market could see some improvements in transparency and accountability if the legislative proposal is passed. However, concerns about loopholes and opposition from nonpartisan groups could hinder its effectiveness and lead to further negotiations and potential changes. Ultimately, the outcome of campaign finance reform in Oregon is uncertain and depends on the actions taken by lawmakers and voters.
