New York City Council Member Ben Kallos, chair of the governmental operations committee, will introduce a resolution today calling on members of the United States Congress to commit to a constitutional amendment that would limit independent expenditures in election campaigns. It is a move aimed at reducing the “dark money” spent during political campaigns and to counteract the Supreme Court’s infamous Citizens United ruling.
Kallos’ resolution specifically calls for the United States Senate and House of Representatives to pass S.J.Res.5 and H.J. Res.22, respectively, which would authorize Congress and states to set limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections.
To be sure, a presidential candidate’s campaign speech and a City Council resolution, which has no legal binding, but is an expression of support, do not an amendment make.
But, there is growing cynicism about the influence of money in politics and there is special attention being paid to the Super PACs and their independent expenditures that often make it unclear where political messaging is coming from and who is paying for it. Kallos' resolution is expected to find heavy support in the overwhelmingly Democratic City Council.
Jonah Minkoff-Zern, co-director of Public Citizen’s Democracy Is For People campaign worked with Kallos’ office on the resolution. “This resolution is an important element in moving forward the effort in New York State and nationally for support for a constitutional amendment,” said Minkoff-Zern.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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