22 Comments
User's avatar
Joan's avatar

YAY!!!! Great News. Hopefully every state will follow Hawaii's success. This should be a no brainer.

Janis's avatar

This is a genius solution. It bypasses the dysfunction in Congress. We might need a tutorial in how to get our local and state representatives to introduce legislation to bring it to a vote.

Charlie's avatar

One simple approach now is to ask your state legislators to champion the idea. When I recently spoke to my state delegate about it, she said it's already in the works. Exactly what that means: some legislators are aware of it, or every D is on board, or legislation is already being drafted? And, what kind of public support of pressure would help?

Campaign finance was a mockery before this Confederate Court totally pulled the rug out from under our democracy. But this will be a helpful interim step.

Tammy's avatar

Every state should do this but 12 is a good start.

Laurie  Schlatter's avatar

Similar efforts underway elsewhere. Montana was actually first. Vermont among other states working on this.

Beverley Collins's avatar

Someone needs to stop them from letting Trump get his way to take over our country.

Patvt's avatar

Some real courage backed by action. Great start!

Rolfneu's avatar

The states should also consider limitations on SuperPacs as they aren't business entities per se but formed as 501C-4 charitable entities with the sole purpose to collect and disguise money from donors. Limiting their powers to give to candidates or causes wouldn't violate the so called free speech of donors as they can always openly donate to candidates or causes.

Eric Stadnik's avatar

Please lead the way and set the example for other states! This destructive program must end!

JMH's avatar

I'm sorry, but I don't see how "...redefin[ing] the powers Hawaii grants to corporations that operate within the state by taking away from those corporations the ability to spend in Hawaii political campaigns..." is any different from what the Citizens United ruling prohibited, with maintaining freedom of corporate speech the driver of that decision. Can someone please explain the difference?

dnt's avatar

there isnt one. it will also be struck down. but the democrats always have some song and dance instead of real action and results

dnt's avatar

there isnt one. it will also be struck down. but the democrats always have some song and dance instead of real action and results

dnt's avatar

there isnt one. it will also be struck down. but the democrats always have some song and dance instead of real action and results

dnt's avatar

there isnt one. it will also be struck down. but the democrats always have some song and dance instead of real action and results

MF's avatar

Amazing! I hope this will be followed by many other states.

Lyra's avatar

Yes! Hawaii has given us in the other 49 states, a blueprint and an inspiration. People don’t be a slave to Ai, think, think critically and use your imagination; expand your thinking.

“Great Spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” (Albert Einstein)

Michael Beckel's avatar

This pioneering bill to fight corporate and dark money spending passed today in Hawaii. It was supported by all Democrats in both chambers and all but one Republican. More here https://issueone.org/press/hawaiis-pioneering-bipartisan-effort-to-fight-corporate-and-dark-money-spending-in-elections-is-a-model-for-rest-of-country/

Connie Phillips's avatar

EVERY state must do this ‼️

Ross Bogen's avatar

Great summary and analysis - but you left something out: people in Montana came up with the idea - yes, ruby-red MT! And with good reason - they had a law banning corporate money in politics for, oh, going on a century (look it up), that CitzU overturned.

It’s slowly been percolating around the country, mostly in blue states, and congrats to Keohokelole and HI for getting it done first. But remember - you owe it to MT!