For immediate release
February 11, 2010
Contact: Rebecca Alper
609-394-8155 x313 (o)
617-840-5999 (c)
ralper@njpirg.org
Citizens United Solution Unveiled:
New Jersey Public Interest Research Group Says Rapid Fire Reform Required
February 11, Trenton- Today Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Chris Van Hollen introduced a series of strong reforms in response to the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United ruling.
“The 2010 elections will set the stage for corporate participation in the wake of this ruling for decades, so rapid-fire action is required to curtail the worst impacts of this decision in time to impact the 2010 elections.” NJPIRG Program Associate Rebecca Alper commented.
“The reforms outlined today will be introduced in a set of bills over the next month and are needed to blunt the worst impacts of this heinous judicial overreach by the Court,” she continued.
The reforms described will increase disclosure information about ad spending from corporate sources and provide shareholders with information before corporations can spend their money. The lowest unit rate advertising will be available to candidates who are facing corporate competition. In addition foreign corporations with domestic subsidiaries, federal contractors and TARP recipients who have not repaid their funds will be banned from spending their money on politics.
“NJPIRG applauds this framework. Our democracy is at risk like never before and the playing field of American politics is far from level. Congress must pass this strong package of reforms to protect regular constituents,” Alper added.
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NJPIRG, is a non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocacy organization. More information is available at www.NJPIRG.org.
