On Feb. 5, Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Maryland, teamed with Republican Walter Jones, R-N.C., to introduce the Government By The People Act. This bipartisan campaign-finance reform bill will help reverse the impact of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which has led to a dramatic rise in negative campaign ads.
The Government By The People Act matches small-dollar donations (less than $150) with public funds 6 to 1, so that a $25 contribution turns into $175, or $100 into $700, amplifying the voice of everyday people. Such funding will ultimately save taxpayers hundreds of billions in corporate welfare that results from politicians favoring big-money donors. When the bill was introduced, it had 130 co-sponsors, more than any other campaign finance reform bill in recent history.
Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, has not yet signed on as a co-sponsor – but he should. We need to break the influence of big money in our elections. It’s the only way that the people’s voice will be heard in issues affecting wealthy corporations, whether that’s reforming Wall Street, passing a higher minimum wage or reining in corporate polluters. Rep. Tipton should do the right thing and take a stand against big-money interests in favor of everyday voters. I urge him to co-sponsor the Government By The People Act today. And voters concerned about the impact of corporate money on our election process should give Rep. Tipton a call at (202) 225-4761 and ask him to support H.R. 20 today.
Gary T. Skiba
Durango
