President Karen and our May 28th speaker
Ann Drumm, a volunteer for American Promise, spoke to us about their proposal for a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment focused on restoring the people’s voice in government and is a cross-partisan issue. Polls show that people have lost faith in the government and American Promise believes that this caused by spending by Political Action Groups and groups formed under 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code (who don’t have to provide a donor list). The Founders set up a republic with a scheme of representation of the people. However, now non-constituent donors are undermining idea of popular sovereignty and pose a threat to democracy. These donors can be from different states or even from other countries. Ann talked about how the donor situation can affect public policy decisions and how political contributions work. There are limits on individual contributions but not on contributions to PACs and dark money groups that don’t have to disclose donations. America’s adversaries can make donations to these groups but not directly to campaigns. Because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s holding in a number of first amendment free speech cases, political spending is considered a form of speech and thus cannot be easily limited. This gives disproportionate power to those with money. American Promise has a constitutional solution. They are proposing an amendment that allows regulation of campaign spending by Congress and state legislatures. Texas voters across the board agree that this amendment is needed and support it. So far, 23 states have called on Congress to propose this amendment and would ratify it. There was a proposed resolution in the Texas legislature this session, but it did not pass. American Pomise is working to build support in Texas and other states from politicians and private sector businesses. For more information go to American Promise - The For Our Freedom Amendment.