How Would the Pending Lobbying Reforms Affect Massachusetts Nonprofits?
We know that policymakers make different decisions when they are watched by their constituents. In order to make that policy-making process more transparent, Governor Deval Patrick has filed "An Act Improving the Laws Relating to Ethics and Lobbying." But what would this pending ethics bill mean for all of the Massachusetts nonprofits that want to voice their opinion on public policy? Will it restrict their ability to advocate for their causes? Will registering lobbyists be prohibitively expensive for small nonprofits?
It sounds like this bill is going to go quickly through the legislature, so now is the time to answer all of these questions! Pam Wilmot, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts, and a member of the Governor's Task Force on Public Integrity, will walk us through this important piece of legislation, and answer your questions!
Join us Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00pm in the 9th floor conference room at 30 Winter Street. To make our Insider Budget Briefings more accessible, we are reducing tuition to only $10, including a light supper and take-home materials. Tuition may be waived for those who need assistance.
Event Info:
Wednesday, March 25th, 5:00-7:00pm
30 Winter Street, 9th Floor [Map]
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
RSVP by March 23rd to carmen@realclout.org
Background: An Act Improving the Laws Relating to Ethics and Lobbying
December 3, 2008. The Governor's Task Force on Public Integrity held a public hearing to receive testimony on recommendations for enhancements to state ethics and lobbying laws. You can view a list of testifiers and copies of written testimony here.
ONE Massachusetts is working closely with partners, Common Cause Massachusetts, and MassPIRG on the ongoing statewide Ethics Reform efforts. ONE Massachusetts Project Director, Yawu Miller, brought the concerns of the ONE Massachusetts Leadership Team to the December 3, 2008 hearing of the Governor's Task Force on Public Integrity.
January 6, 2009. Governor Deval Patrick's Task Force on Public Integrity issued a report outlining comprehensive recommendations to strengthen the state's ethics and lobbying laws.
January 26, 2009. Governor Patrick testified before the Special House Committee on Ethics on behalf of his bill, An Act Improving the Laws Relating to Ethics and Lobbying, which reflects his Public Integrity Task Force's recommendations to strengthen the Commonwealth's ethics and lobbying laws.