In today’s world, many not-for-profits work together in a web of different connected organizations to help achieve overarching objectives. Typically, these efforts may be serviced by a 501(c)(3) organization for education and training, a 501(c)(4) organization for social welfare/issue advocacy … Continue reading →

The White House is circulating a draft executive order to require federal government contractors to disclose contributions or expenditures made within the two years prior to submission of their offer by the bidding entity, its directors or officers, and affiliates … Continue reading →

On Tuesday the Securities and Exchange Commission issued staff responses to questions about Rule 206(4)-5, the pay-to-play rule which went into effect on March 14, 2011 as we described here and here. There are several notable responses that provide additional … Continue reading →

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) new pay-to-play rule takes effect today.  The rule restricts the state and local political activities of investment advisers who work with state and local pension funds.  See this post for more information on the … Continue reading →

Earlier this month, the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) released new limits for the 2011-2012 federal election cycle.  Federal contribution limits are indexed for inflation in odd-numbered years. The increases for the 2011-2012 election cycle demonstrate a modest increase  from the … Continue reading →

It has been a little over a year since the United States Supreme Court held that it was unconstitutional to limit corporate spending in federal elections.  When the decision was first issued in Citizens United v. FEC, many thought corporations … Continue reading →

This article by Professors Ellen P. Aprill and Richard L. Hasen suggests that room for government regulation of lobbying may be constitutionally constrained by the narrow view of corruption adopted in Citizens United.

We recently reported that the US Supreme Court had issued certiorari on the Arizona public finance case.  Today, the NY Times issued an editorial on the case.

The Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved interpretative guidance issued by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) that relates to the treatment of PACs affiliated with brokers and dealers under MSRB Rule G-37. The Interpretation sets out factors that may … Continue reading →

The NY Times recently reported and editorialized on charities created by members of Congress that accept donations from corporations.   While Congressional gift rules require disclosure of lobbyist donations to charities established by a lawmaker, as reported in the article, not everyone is disclosing.