Tired of wondering who is paying for the advertising that
is coming into your home?
As a member of the non-partisan League of Women Voters, I
wish to bring attention to the proposed legislation AB
1148, the California Disclose Act. AB1148 would fight back
against unlimited hidden spending on campaigns by letting
voters know who really is paying for political ads - on the
ads themselves.
The California Disclose Act is being voted on by full State
Assembly on Tuesday Jan. 31, then the state Senate by
September.
AB1148 passed Appropriations on Jan. 19; Elections
Committee on Jan. 9. This legislation has been endorsed by
the California League of Women Voters. Information is
available at YesFairElections.org.
The proposed legislation requires the three largest funders
of political ads to be clearly identified with their names
and logos - on the ads themselves, so voters know who is
actually paying for them.
? Applies to all television ads, radio ads, print ads, mass
mailers, and websites for or against state and local ballot
measures, and to independent expenditures for and against
candidates. It applies whether ads are paid for by
corporations, unions, or millionaires.
? Tells voters where to find the details - Requires ads to
list a website with greater disclosure and a link to the
Secretary of State's website
? Will "pierce through" hidden funders by requiring
political ads to report their three largest actual
contributors, no matter how many committees or groups their
contributions pass through.
? Applies to slate mailers: Requires slate mailers to show
when ads are paid for by independent expenditures.
? Requires candidates to appear and say they "approve this
message," just like federal candidates.
Contact your State Representative Connie Conway at
559-636-3440 or 916-319-2134 and State Senator Jean Fuller
at 661-323-0443 or 916-651-4018 and ask for their support
on AB1148.
DOROTHY OSAK
League of Women Voters
Visalia
Letter to the editor
