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D.C. residents want their government back from special interests and Mayor Bowser should sign the citizen-financed election bill passed unanimously by the City Council. I testified in support of this legislation because I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact citizen-financed elections can bring about after I helped pass Connecticut’s Citizens’ Election Program.

The Wisconsin Legislature’s vote yesterday to call a constitutional convention under Article V leaves the nation in a perilous position, just six states shy of calling a convention that could lead to the rewrite of the U.S. Constitution.

Today, the city of Seattle’s democracy voucher program has been upheld as constitutional. The Superior Court of the State of Washington for King County issued an opinion finding that the city’s pioneering public financing system is a valid tool for the city government to foster citizen involvement in elections, which is a goal “vital to a self-governing people.”

Connecticut deserves honest and responsive elected officials who don’t have to compromise themselves in a constant chase for political contributions. That is exactly what the Citizens’ Election Program provided and the rampant scandals in Hartford finally slowed under the law.

At a time when too many Americans do not think they have a meaningful voice in their democracy, when confidence in our institutions is at historic lows, and cynicism at record highs, this democracy reform package is needed more than ever. These reforms are working at the state level, empowering citizens and breaking down barriers to participation for all Americans, irrespective of political party.

Governor Rick Snyder was quick to sign two bills today that will increase the influence of special interests in Michigan. SB 335 and SB 336 are unacceptable attacks on the democratic process by expanding the damage from the Supreme Court’s disastrous 2010 Citizens United decision in Michigan. Common Cause had organized its 30,000 Michigan members to email and call Gov. Snyder, urging him to veto the bills.