Astroturf Campaign Attacks Discount Drug Program for the Poor
An anti-government waste group is helping its Big Pharma funder oppose a discount drug program that doesn’t cost the government a penny.
Top Stories
The World’s Most Expensive Weapon Has Flopped
By David Moore Brick House Cooperative Primary category in which blog post is published
‘Red State Assault’ on Ballot Measures Threatens Direct Democracy
By Lisa Newcomb Democracy Primary category in which blog post is published
The Least Transparent Big City in America
By Patrick Maynard Government Transparency Primary category in which blog post is published
Noem Bill Would Make Dark Money Disclosure Illegal
By Donald Shaw Democracy Primary category in which blog post is published
Newsom Called on the Companies Lobbying Him to Fund His Pandemic Response
Newsom requested $226 million in donations in 2020.
Google is Giving People Bad, Fossil Fuel-Funded Info on the Green New Deal
A conservative think tank with funding from the fossil fuel industry put out a cost estimate seemingly intended to cause sticker shock atop search results.
Dysfunctional NYC Elections Board Staffed Through Pay-to-Play System
For employees of New York City's Board of Elections, donations to party bosses are often the key to professional advancement.
Seattle’s Unique Campaign Finance System Is Boosting Donor Diversity
Democracy vouchers are increasing small-donor participation in local elections and diversifying the donor pool.
Opinion
How Corporations Gave Republicans Permission to Deny Reality
Big companies donated to climate deniers in Congress – even while claiming to care about climate change. When those same lawmakers denied the results of the election, the bill came due.
Reps Would Have to Resign From Corporate Boards Under Democrats’ Ethics Bill
At least 15 House reps currently sit on the boards of private companies.
Former PAC Rejector Elaine Luria Is Now Taking Checks From Raytheon and Rolls-Royce
Luria was recently elected vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee after taking contributions from the PACs of several defense contractors to pay off her reelection campaign's debt.
Chevron Greenwashes Shareholders on Climate Lobbying
The oil supermajor’s first ever report on its political activities greenwashes its own shareholders.
Michigan Has a Conflict of Interest Problem. A New Bill Would Begin Fixing It
The state's legislators have previously passed laws that benefited their family businesses, but a new ethics bill would bar voting where personal financial interests are involved.
Manchin Backed Filibuster Reform in the Past
While Sen. Joe Manchin proclaimed in recent media appearances that he will not consider ending the filibuster, 10 years ago he voted in favor of rules reforms that would have significantly reduced the obstructive tactic.
AT&T and Boeing Named Chairs of Biden Inauguration
For donating $1 million, the companies are also invited to future in-person events.
Trade Groups Decline to Cut Off GOP Objectors
Sludge asked over two dozen corporate trade associations if they would follow their member companies in cutting off PAC donations to the Republican election objectors. Most declined to say they would.
Dear Reporters: Don’t Trust ‘Dr. Evil’
Corporate America Should Immediately Cease All Political Spending, Says Reform Coalition
More than 50 groups signed a letter asking companies to go beyond pausing their PACs if they want to demonstrate a commitment to democracy.
Buttigieges Cashed in Last Year With Book and Podcast Deals
Companies Are Pausing Their PACs, But Their Trade Groups Aren’t
Dozens of companies paused their PAC donations to Republican election objectors, but a loophole could continue sending them funds through corporate trade associations.
Eleven Years Later, Democrats Will Try Again to Address Citizens United’s Dark Money Problem
Both chambers of Congress are planning to vote on the For the People Act, which would force dark money groups to reveal their donors.
Biden’s Huge Inaugural Donations Would be Banned Under Democrats’ Ethics Bill
Government watchdog groups called on Biden's presidential inaugural committee to reject million-dollar donations from corporations seeking to influence the new administration.
