Big Money in Our Schools

Big Money in Our Schools

Since Citizens United, we’ve become accustomed to hearing about “secret money” groups. The irony is that while the court used this case to demolish campaign contribution limits, they named disclosure as the key counter to the outsized influence of money in politics. Unfortunately, elected officials have not responded to the Supreme Court’s suggestion for increased disclosure requirements. As a result, we are left in the dark about who is spending millions to influence our vote

UPDATE: The bill discussed in this article (HB16-1282) was passed by both houses of the Colorado General Assembly and sent to the Governor on May 11, 2016. 

Since Citizens United, we’ve become accustomed to hearing about “secret money” groups.

The irony is that while the court used this case to demolish campaign contribution limits, they named disclosure as the key counter to the outsized influence of money in politics. Unfortunately, elected officials have not responded to the Supreme Court’s suggestion for increased disclosure requirements. As a result, we are left in the dark about who is spending millions to influence our vote

The school board recall elections in Jefferson and Douglas counties revealed how bad things have gotten over the last five years. Check out these reports from Colorado Ethics Watch on the money spent in Jefferson County  and Douglas County.  National secret money groups are spending heavily–on both sides–to influence local races. As a result, our schools are at risk of becoming political puppets for powerful national interests.

A propsed bill in the Colorado General Assembly (HB16-1282) would require disclosure of spending in school board races. Along with a strong coalition, Colorado Common Cause is advocating for legislation to address this issue. A proposed bill in the Colorado General Assembly would require disclosure of spending in school board races. We’ve got something good, but it’s going to need a lot of support in order to pass. Please let your state elected officials know that when it comes to our kids, we want transparency in political spending. www.commoncause.org/FindYourElectedOfficials