Connecticut Senate Bill SB00455

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/14
• Refer: 3/11/14
• Report Pass: 3/24/14
• Refer: 4/7/14
• Report Pass: 4/14/14
• Refer: 4/22/14
• Report Pass: 4/25/14
• Engrossed: 5/2/14
• Report Pass: 5/4/14
• Chaptered: 5/13/14
• Enrolled: 5/19/14
• Passed: 6/3/14

Caption

An Act Concerning The Citizens' Election Fund.

Impact

If enacted, SB00455 will amend existing laws related to the Citizens' Election Fund, enhancing financial support for election candidates by mandating deposits from tax revenues in case of insufficiencies. This change will ensure that candidates participating in the public financing system can receive grants to support their campaigns. The intent behind this enhancement is to promote fair competition among candidates and to help level the playing field, especially for those who might lack substantial private funding.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 455, known as the Act Concerning The Citizens' Election Fund, aims to establish a sustainable funding mechanism for financing election campaigns through public funds. The bill seeks to address the insufficiencies in the Citizens' Election Fund by ensuring that any shortfall in funding is supplemented by revenue from specific state taxes. This measure is particularly relevant during election cycles, where it is crucial to guarantee that qualified candidates have access to necessary funding to compete effectively in elections.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00455 appears to be largely favorable among those advocating for campaign finance reform and promoting fair elections. Proponents argue that increasing the public funding available for candidates will help reduce the influence of private money in politics and empower more citizens to run for office. However, there may be concerns from some factions about the financial implications for taxpayers and the overall effectiveness of public funding in truly leveling the electoral playing field.

Contention

Despite broad support for improving the funding mechanisms for elections, SB00455 has generated discussions regarding the potential dependency of election candidates on public funds. Critics may express skepticism about whether this reliance could dampen the incentive for candidates to seek individual contributions or reduce grassroots support. Furthermore, discussions around the bill highlight ongoing debates about the role of money in politics and the priorities of state funding, which can lead to diverse opinions among lawmakers and the public.