News

Is Money in Politics to Blame for Complicated Tax Returns?
Daniel Stevens | April 12, 2015
For years, Congress has been sitting on a proposal to make it easier for people to file their taxes. A few powerful companies have a large financial stake in ensuring long, complicated tax returns continue to be the norm. How much have these tax preparation companies spent on campaign contributions and lobbying the federal government? How much stock do members of Congress own in these companies?
Schumer Tops Durbin in Leadership and Fundraising
Daniel Stevens | April 10, 2015
On March 27, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced he will retire at the end of his term in January 2017. The impending departure of Sen. Reid immediately set off speculation about who would succeed him. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) quickly emerged as the leading candidates. How much and from which industries have the two politicians raised their campaign contributions, and how much have they in turn given to fellow Senate Democrats?
You’re Invited: MapLight’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Kaitlin Woolf | April 03, 2015
Join us on May 13th for an evening of cocktails and big ideas as we celebrate a decade of MapLight!
Industry Wins House Passage of Bill Limiting EPA Advisory Board’s Role
Daniel Stevens |
On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 1029 by a vote of 236-181. The bill, if it becomes law, would change how the EPA selects experts to serve on its science advisory council. The bill has been criticized by environmental groups for allowing experts with financial conflicts of interest to serve on the board, and is supported by a coalition of industry trade groups.How much did industry trade groups give to representatives who voted 'YES' on the bill compared to those who voted 'NO, and how much did these groups spend on lobbying Congress and the federal government?
Chemical Industry Increases Contributions and Lobbying as Congress Takes up Chemical Bill
Daniel Stevens |
On Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the ‘The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act,’ which, if passed, would overhaul how the federal government regulates chemicals.How much money did the chemical industry spend on campaign contributions and lobbying the federal government?
Top 3 CA Senate Candidates Raise More Than $1 Million to Fill 7th District Vacancy
Michael Canning |
Voters in California’s 7th Senate District are set to cast ballots on Tuesday to fill the seat vacated by former State Senator Mark DeSauliner, who was elected to Congress in November.How much money have the candidates for California's 7th Senate District raised for the March 17th special election and who is supporting them?
Propane Industry Wins Support for $54 Million Tax Break from Senate Finance Committee
Daniel Stevens |
In early February, the Senate Finance Committee approved 17 pieces of legislation, including a $54 million tax break for the propane industry. How much money has the propane industry spent on campaign contributions and lobbying in recent years?