We Did It!!!
Campaign Finance Reform Approved

It has finally happened. As per the pithy public policy quote in the Sacramento Bee: Tuesday, September 9, 2003, "the Sacramento City Council voted as a 6-3 majority to adopt a public financing ordinance to become effective for March 2004 City Council races. Funding was approved for $150,000. The mayoral campaigns are slated to be included in the 2008 races."

This action is the final step in a comprehensive campaign finance reform effort begun in 1990 with passage of an advisory measure by 59% of the voters. The measure was promoted by Anne Rudin, then mayor of Sacramento and longtime League member. The effort was re-energized in 1998 when Proposition 208 was enjoined by the Court, and the City was without contribution limits. Contribution limits were reinstated in November 2000. This effort was co-ordinated by Kris Greenlee, a member of both League and California Common Cause. More than 35 neighborhood and community organizations supported the final reform. And 15 LWVS members attended the hearing to show their support.

League members testifying at the final meeting representing various organizations and perspectives included Rick Bettis, Mary Williams, Jennifer Baker, Harlene Barrett, Earl Withycombe, Kris Greenlee and Donna Chipps. I want to extend my congratulations to all who participated in this effort over the past 13 years since the voters expressed their will and thanks to the City Council members who recognized the validity of this reform.