Yesterday in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a majority of Wyoming House members voted in support of Joint House Resolution 0002, which calls on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to ensure transparency in political expenditures and allow states like Wyoming to regulate corporate, union, and other political contributions.
35 of 62 representatives voted in support of the resolution, highlighting the overwhelming, cross-partisan support for addressing the corruption from out-of-control political spending. Yesterday’s vote required a two-thirds vote to prevail, which we did not achieve. However, the strong showing makes it clear this issue is resonating with Wyoming conservative voters, who have been deeply impacted by dark money and outside influence in their campaigns and elections. We look forward to revisiting this in the next session, at which time only a simple majority will be needed to pass.
Wyoming voters support action against unrestrained and unlimited spending in elections. 87% agree that the coercive influence of money in politics is a threat to our democracy. And 75% support the passage of a constitutional amendment that will allow states and Congress to set reasonable limits to regulate campaign spending.
Their concerns reflect voters’ sentiments across the country. 22 other states that represent the political spectrum have taken similar action. Pennsylvania legislators last week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution calling for a constitutional amendment. A sponsorship memo is being circulated by Republicans in Wisconsin, and this week, a similar resolution will receive a committee hearing in Minnesota.
Previous Supreme Court decisions removed state and federal lawmakers’ power to set limits on political spending. The framers of the Constitution created a government of, by, and for the people, but our current pay-to-play politics has deteriorated into a government bought, paid, and sold to the highest bidder.
Again, we are motivated by the progress in Wyoming – support for Joint House Resolution 0002 is undeniable. American Promise thanks the legislators who supported this resolution, and the tens of thousands of Wyoming citizens have signed up to support this effort.
