This
Legislation clearly benefits both lobbyists and Legislators at the
expense of Alaskan citizens. Any citizen wishing to lobby as a
private citizen has never been restricted from doing so. Only
people receiving compensation from a corporation or another
individual are restricted in any way.
The
current restrictions are clearly designed to put lobbyists on a more
level playing field with private citizens and to make information
available to the citizens regarding lobbying efforts. This
legislation will make the remaining regulations ineffective.
The
proposed change simply accomplishes two goals:
1.
It limits the information available to Alaskan citizens
regarding the lobbying efforts of corporate and special interest
lobbyists.
2.
It allows lobbyists to give campaign contriutions to
legislative candidates (which will most likely benefit “their”
favored incumbent benefactor) following the legislative session.
If you
support this legislation you should simply strike down all the laws
relating to election contributions, lobbyists, and corporate
contribution restrictions. This legislation effectively does much
the same, while allowing the system to remain in place, thus
promoting the false pretense that there’s been no major change....
This
current legislation favors incumbents and restricts information
currently available to the people relating to the lobbying efforts
in Juneau. This legislation transfers more power and influence to
special interests, while diminishing the influence of the private
citizens within the state. Please uphold the current regulations
and oppose HB 106!
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