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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee | State Rep. Babette Josephs D-Philadelphia Hearing Co-Chair |
House Democratic Policy Committee examines campaign finance reform
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 4 – The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing today at City Hall to look how the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United vs. FEC has impacted campaign financing in the Commonwealth, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
The hearing was requested and co-chaired by state Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., who is also the ranking Democrat on the House State Government Committee.
“The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens’ United versus the FEC allowing corporations to spend an unlimited amount of money on elections is having an unprecedented influence on our nation’s political landscape,” Sturla said. “Representative Josephs has been on the forefront of examining the consequences of policies like these as well as educating Pennsylvanians about them.”
"Voter participation is at an all-time low because citizens feel their votes cannot compete with unlimited amounts of campaign contributions. Campaign Finance Reform is the answer," Josephs said.
Those testifying included Judy Wicks, founder of Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and co-founder of Business Alliance for Local Living Economies; Jeff Clements, co-founder and general counsel, Free Speech for People; and Alana Miller, program associate, PennPIRG.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
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