Post by Logan on Feb 6, 2017 5:13:07 GMT -6
Lawmakers Close to Putting Campaign Finance Reform Law on Books
Mississippi legislators are one step closer to putting a campaign finance reform law on the books. The senate is taking up a measure next week and house lawmakers have already passed their bill.
Currently, Mississippi legislators can use their campaign funds any way they like. Republican Senator Buck Clarke of Hollandale says it's been wide open.
"You know it was always an issue if you spent it personally under Mississippi law you report it as income on your tax return," said Clarke.
Clarke thinks there should be some restrictions on how campaign dollars are spent. Republican Senator Sally Doty of Brookhaven, authored bill 2689--a measure that prohibits the use of campaign contributions for personal use like paying a home mortgage, utility bills or buying a vehicle. All expenses must be related to the cost of campaigning or holding public office. Doty says some lawmakers have been vague in reporting credit card expenses.
Read more: www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2017/02/03/lawmakers-close-to-putting-campaign-finance-reform-law-on-books/
Mississippi legislators are one step closer to putting a campaign finance reform law on the books. The senate is taking up a measure next week and house lawmakers have already passed their bill.
Currently, Mississippi legislators can use their campaign funds any way they like. Republican Senator Buck Clarke of Hollandale says it's been wide open.
"You know it was always an issue if you spent it personally under Mississippi law you report it as income on your tax return," said Clarke.
Clarke thinks there should be some restrictions on how campaign dollars are spent. Republican Senator Sally Doty of Brookhaven, authored bill 2689--a measure that prohibits the use of campaign contributions for personal use like paying a home mortgage, utility bills or buying a vehicle. All expenses must be related to the cost of campaigning or holding public office. Doty says some lawmakers have been vague in reporting credit card expenses.
Read more: www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2017/02/03/lawmakers-close-to-putting-campaign-finance-reform-law-on-books/