Voters vs. Big Money in Elections

From Meghan Hassett, ConnPIRG Organizer.
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The League of Women Voters of Connecticut (LWVCT) and the Connecticut Public Interest Research Group (ConnPIRG) will hold a discussion and community engagement event on people-powered solutions to big money in politics. This event will take place on Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30PM in the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library, located at 123 Broad Street in Middletown.

Speakers include Michael Brandi, Executive Director and General Counsel of the State Elections Enforcement Commission and Administrator of the Citizens’ Election Program; Daniel Drew, mayor of Middletown; Meghan Hassett, ConnPIRG organizer; Amanda Schoen, press secretary for Congressman Larson; and Elona Vaisnys, LWVCT Citizens’ Election Proud Initiative. Vaisnys will serve as the moderator. Speakers will discuss public campaign financing for elections on all levels of government, from the local to the federal.

Last year, Connecticut almost lost an exceptional program of public financing of campaigns for state offices. Municipalities are discussing public financing for their elections. What is possible? What is not? Citizens have to be part of the conversation.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, participating via video, will speak about getting big money out of politics and the importance of empowering small donors.

ConnPIRG is a statewide and citizen-based nonpartisan nonprofit. ConnPIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security, or our right to fully participate in our democratic society. The LWV, active in 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, and the Virgin Islands, was founded in 1920; the LWVCT--in 1921. Men have been LWV members since 1974. The League works to improve our systems of government through citizen information and advocacy.