News
MapLight research on the influence of money and politics.
Emily Calhoun
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June 04, 2010
June 4, 2010 - Republican State Senators vote with their donors to defend agricultural employer interests.
admin
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June 4, 2010 - An estimated $5 billion in cash was left unused on gift cards in 2009. Groups that get to hold on to that money were able to beat back a provision that would have allowed more of that cash to be put into the pockets of consumers.
Owen Poindexter
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On Wednesday, June 2, the Assembly passed (AB 1998) a bill that would eliminate single-use plastic bags from supermarkets, convenience stores and large stores that include a pharmacy. Industry groups opposing the bill were unable to prevent its passage, their clout was evident in the votes cast by Assemblymembers. Three Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the bill. The three Democrats who opposed the bill received nearly double the average of those supporting.
Emily Calhoun
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June 03, 2010
June 2, 2010 - The US Chamber of Commerce was joined by a coalition of industry trade organizations in opposition to a bill that would establish new campaign finance disclosure rules. In the wake of the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, legislators - expecting unprecedented levels of spending by special interest groups - are seeking to require organizations running political ads to disclose their donors.
Emily Calhoun
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May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010 - The Senate has named its committee members appointed to negotiate in conference with the House on the Financial Reform bill.
Emily Calhoun
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May 24, 2010
May 24, 2010 - A look at the campaign contributions to Senate Republicans from both groups over the last few election cycles might explain why the auto dealer exemption didn't make it off the lot.
Emily Calhoun
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May 20, 2010
May 20, 2010 - On Wednesday, May 19, the Senate defeated an amendment introduced by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) that would "restore to the states the right to protect consumers from usurious lenders." Senators opposing the amendment received 129% more money from banks and credit institutions, such as American Express, Moneytree International and Ace Cash Express, that would be negatively impacted by the measure.