Kander on Kraus bill: Preventing teachers from being in political process is wrong

(From Secretary of State Jason Kander)

Secretary of State Jason Kander today released the following statement on campaign finance and ethics reform legislation in the 2014 session:

"I am pleased to see Governor Nixon bringing together legislators of both parties today to work on the important issue of campaign finance and ethics reform. However, as those conversations move forward, I believe it’s important to recognize that legislation like Senate Bill 576 does not come close to what Missouri needs. Campaign finance limits are ineffective without a limit on political money laundering. This bill does nothing to discourage the targets of Missouri Ethics Commission investigations from lying to get out of trouble – something that is, amazingly, currently legal in our state. Placing $50 per item limits on lobbyist gifts is a loophole through which legislators could still have lobbyists take them to a $50 breakfast, $50 lunch and $50 dinner every day. And preventing teachers from being involved in the political process is both wrong and unconstitutional."