What We’re Reading, Week Ending June 27

Massachusetts SWAT teams claim they’re private corporations, immune from open records laws – Radley Balko – The Washington Post

The Massachusetts chapter of the ACLU discovered that some local governments have joined forces to incorporate police SWAT teams as private corporations.  This status would exempt the teams from Massachusetts open records laws despite having full police enforcement rights and funding by taxpayers.

Mayday PAC: The Super PAC Built to Destroy Super PACs – Joe Kloc –  Newsweek

This article outlines Mayday PAC, a super PAC that aims to jumpstart campaign finance reform by using the system it seeks to abolish.  Lawrence Lessig, the law professor who is founder of Mayday PAC, plans to demonstrate the power of money by using the PAC to help elect candidates determined to rein in that power.

Citizens United demands disclosure law – Rep. Chris Van Hollen – The Hill

Rep. Chris Van Hollen outlines the history and impact of the Citizens United decision and explains the importance of disclosure of outside money.  Van Hollen details the DISCLOSE Act and how it would counter the impact of Citizens United.

Supreme Court Narrows President’s Recess-Appointment Powers – Jess Bravin and Melanie Trottman – The Wall Street Journal

This week, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the President exceeded his recess-appointment power by making temporary appointments during a short 2012 Senate recess.  The effect of the decision is unclear; it may overturn hundreds of National Labor Relations Board rulings.

For Further Reading:

Minimum Wage: Democrats Assail G.O.P. After Filibuster of Proposal to Raise Minimum Wage – Jeremy W. Peters – The New York Times

Voting Rights: Senate debates voting rights proposal – Mary Orndorff Troyan – USA Today

Ex-Im Bank: The next battle in Washington – Leigh Ann Caldwell – CNN