Free Speech For People and Represent.US Working Towards Publicly Funded Elections in Cambridge, MA Posted on February 8, 2015 (February 19, 2015) Democracy Amendments We’re pleased to work with Represent.Boston, an all-volunteer local chapter of the non-partisan, non-profit national organization Represent.US, on an innovative local effort to explore publicly funded municipal election models and other equal access campaign solutions for the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Read More
Justice Ginsburg Would Reverse Citizens United Posted on February 5, 2015 (February 13, 2015) On February 4, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke to Georgetown University Law Center on her life and career, among many other issues of the law. In response to a question about the one decision she would reverse if she had a “magic wand”, Justice Ginsburg responded it would be Citizens United. She also commented on redistricting and voter participation, and said that we need “a democracy for all.”Read More
A Bold Step Forward In Challenging Citizens United Posted on February 4, 2015 (October 1, 2018) Recently, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), announced new legislation to limit corporate felon’s ability to influence elections. We proudly support Representative Ellison’s work and acknowledge it is an important step toward undoing the damage of the Citizens United decision. Today on Roll Call, our Legal Director, Ron Fein writes of the proposed legislation as “a bold step forward in challenging Citizens United.”Read More
Congressman Lieu Addresses California Supreme Court In Support Of The People’s Right To Instruct Their Representatives Posted on February 3, 2015 (February 13, 2015) Last week, Congressman Ted Lieu of California addressed a letter to the California Supreme Court echoing support for the people’s right to instruct their representatives with a ballot measure. Click through to read the full text of Congressman Lieu’s letter.Read More
There’s Never Been A Better Time To Be A Corporation Posted on February 2, 2015 (February 13, 2015) Big money is taking over our American democracy. And now, the recent spending bill (often referred to as Cromnibus) is a perfect example of the efforts of Congress to increase the flow of money in politics. Now, is a perfect time to be a corporation. Read More
FSFP Files Amicus Brief In HJTA v. Bowen, A California Case On A Measure To Overturn Citizens United Posted on February 2, 2015 (August 26, 2015) Democracy Amendments Free Speech For People filed an amicus brief before the California Supreme Court in defense of California Proposition 49, also known as the Overturn Citizens United Act. Read More
Editorial From Times Union: A Way To Take America Back Posted on February 1, 2015 (October 1, 2018) Today, the Times-Union Tribune published an excellent editorial that calls upon New York to become the 17th state to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. The original article is available here. THE ISSUE: The U.S. Supreme Court is well on its way to ending effective campaign finance laws. THE STAKES: Representative democracy requires representativesRead More
Ron Fein: When Judges Pass The Collection Plate, Justice Suffers Posted on January 30, 2015 (April 23, 2015) In his latest op-ed, Free Speech For People’s legal director, Ron Fein digs in on Justice Scalia, campaign finance, the Williams-Yulee case, and what it all means in the big scheme of preserving judicial dignity. The aptly titled piece,”When Judges Pass the Collection Plate, Justice Suffers” is featured today on The Daily Caller. An excerptRead More
John Bonifaz Testifies Before New Hampshire House and Senate On An Amendment To Overturn Citizens United Posted on January 29, 2015 (January 30, 2015) Our American democracy is in crisis. The voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by big money interests. And the very core of our First Amendment is in jeopardy because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s latest rulings. Yes, we are talking about Citizens United. The American people recognize this, and the people of New Hampshire have set out to overturn Citizens United with a 28th amendment. Today, John Bonifaz testified before the New Hampshire House and Senate in a hearing calling for the enactment of a 28th Amendment to end the big money dominance of our politics and restore a government of, by, and for the people. Free Speech For People strongly supports House Bill 371 and Senate Bill 136. Read More
FSFP Files Amicus Brief Before U.S. Court of Appeals In New York Republican State Committee v. SEC Posted on January 27, 2015 (May 26, 2015) Our brief argues that the rule protects the First Amendment rights of public employees by preventing investment advisers from using a portion of their pension money to pay for political spending. The SEC had been working on this rule since the 1990s, but finalized it after a “pay-to-play” scandal involving the New York City pension system. The challengers claim that it forces investment advisers to choose between either making political contributions or practicing their chosen profession.Read More